- Frequently Asked Questions -

1. What is the IncuCount automated colony counter?

The IncuCount series (IC-75, IC-150, IC-200) are automated colony counters that use high-resolution optics, AI-driven software, and LED lighting to quickly and accurately count a diverse array of microbial colony forming units (CFU) on agar plates and measure antibiotic inhibition zones, making them ideal for labs that need reliable antimicrobial and antibiotic sensitivity testing.

2. How does IncuCount improve accuracy compared to manual counting?

Manual counting is slow, inconsistent, and prone to human error. The IncuCount uses AI image segmentation to separate touching colonies (clustered), distinguish light vs dark colonies, and capture a digital image record for every plate. This ensures reproducible CFU counts across operators and supports compliance requirements.

3. Which plates and media can I use?

The IncuCount automated colony counters are compatible with:

  • Standard Petri dishes (up to 100 mm)

  • CompactDry™ and Petrifilm™ and Microfast™ plates

  • A wide range of microbiology media including Nutrient Agar, Plate Count Agar (PCA), Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), Tryptic Soy Agar (TSA), MacConkey Agar, and chromogenic media

This flexibility supports applications in food safety, pharma QC, clinical diagnostics, environmental microbiology, and biotechnology research.

4. Can the IncuCount measure inhibition zones?

Yes. In addition to colony counting, the IncuCount 200 can automatically measure inhibition zones on agar plates. This is widely used in antibiotic sensitivity testing (AST), antimicrobial screening, and research applications.

5. How small of a colony can the IncuCount detect?

Depending on the model:

  • IC-75: detects colonies ≥0.4 mm

  • IC-150 / IC-200: detects colonies as small as 0.2 mm with Carl Zeiss optics and advanced imaging

This makes them suitable for both routine counts and more complex research applications.

6. Is the system compliant with lab regulations?

Yes. The IncuCount 75 software supports 21 CFR Part 11 audit trails and secure data handling. Data can be exported in CSV, Excel, PDF, or TIFF formats for traceability and integration with most LIMS systems.

7. How fast does counting take?

Most plates are analyzed in about one second. This allows labs to process significantly more samples compared to manual methods, improving throughput and productivity.

8. Which industries use IncuCount colony counters?

Our colony counters are trusted by labs in:

  • Food & Beverage Microbiology – coliform, yeast, and mold testing

  • Pharmaceutical Quality Control – CFU counts and inhibition zone measurement

  • Clinical Microbiology – diagnostic agar plate interpretation

  • Environmental Monitoring – water, wastewater, and soil testing

  • Biotechnology Research – CRISPR screening, morphology studies, teaching labs

9. What’s the difference between IC-75, IC-150, and IC-200?

  • IC-75: Connects to a Windows compatible computer (computer not included), compact, affordable, and suitable for routine colony counting.  AI/ML training features.  Extremely easy to use.  Select the colony type and the software counts for you.  21 CFR Part 11 compliant, complete with automatic audit trails, exports to LIMS.

  • IC-150:  Tablet CPU (included) with touch screen interface counts colonies automatically and includes more sophisticated controls for manual adjustments where necessary.  Includes color detection (light vs dark colonies) and counts colonies separately in up to 10 different colors. 

  • IC-200: High-throughput model with advanced automation.  Includes all features of the IC-150, plus automatically measures inhibition zones.  Includes a rugged, powder coated aluminum stand to reduce bench space.  

10. What support and warranty do you provide?

Every IncuCount system includes a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty, along with access to software updates and technical support. Extended service contracts are also available for labs requiring validation and ongoing compliance support.


11. Do you offer a satisfaction guarantee?

Yes. Every IncuCount colony counter comes with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. If your system does not meet expectations, you can return it within 30 days for an exchange or full refund. This ensures your investment in an automated colony counter is completely risk-free.

12. Is shipping free within the United States?

Yes. We provide free shipping on all orders within the USA. Your IncuCount system will be securely packaged and shipped at no additional cost, helping labs keep budgets predictable while upgrading to automated colony counting technology.

13. Where are IncuCount colony counters manufactured?

All IncuCount automated colony counters are Made in the USA with domestic and globally sourced parts. Our colony counters are designed with high-quality components and supported by local service, ensuring reliability for food safety, pharmaceutical QC, clinical, and research laboratories.

 

14. How long has the IncuCount been on the market?

The IncuCount automated colony counter was first designed and manufactured by Revolutionary Science in 2009. As Revolutionary Science shifted its focus toward its core laboratory equipment products, the decision was made to establish Newlander Life Sciences as a dedicated company to refine and advance the IncuCount automated colony counter product line. Today, Newlander Life Sciences is the exclusive manufacturer of IncuCount systems, with a singular mission to perfect automated colony counting and inhibition zone measurement technology.