Sample dilution in microbiology : manual method VS DILUWEL UP!

The importance of accurate dilution in microbiological analyses

In the field of microbiology, particularly in the food industry, precision is key to ensuring the safety of the products we consume. One important step, although often underestimated, is the dilution of samples before analysis.

Why is dilution crucial?

Before a product is considered safe for consumption, it must pass a series of rigorous tests. Take cheese such as Camembert, for example. To test for pathogens such as Salmonella, a technician must take a 25-gram sample and dilute it precisely to one-tenth in an enrichment broth.

The challenges of the manual method

ISO 6887-1 regulates this crucial step, requiring an accuracy of 5% for weighing and 2% for dilution. Doing this manually presents several challenges:

Stability: handling sample bags on a scale can be challenging!
Speed: calculating and pouring the broth manually takes time.
No standardisation: Results may vary from one technician to another, making reproducibility difficult.
Manual data entry: With the risk of transcription errors that this involves.

This is where DILUWEL UP! comes in!

The use of a gravimetric diluter, such as the DILUWEL UP!, automates this process while ensuring optimal accuracy and repeatability. Here are some key advantages:

Speed: Precise dilution is achieved in less than 10 seconds.

Compliance with standards: The machine ensures that each sample is processed in accordance with current ISO standards.

Ergonomics: Compact, well-designed devices reduce space requirements on the bench and minimise the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) for staff.

Full traceability: Data is automatically recorded via USB, eliminating data entry errors, or transferred directly to the LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) for enhanced and secure traceability.

Automating dilution not only saves time, it is an investment in quality and safety. By adopting precise and ergonomic technologies, laboratories can focus on what matters most: protecting consumers and ensuring product compliance.