Laboratory Equipment & Services Information System by Centralized Laboratory Management Office (CeLMO)

The Funke-Gerber colony counter is a device used in microbiology laboratories to accurately count and record the number of bacterial or fungal colonies present on a Petri dish or agar plate.

It typically consists of the following components: Illuminated Surface: The surface where the Petri dish is placed for counting is usually illuminated evenly to enhance visibility and enable easy identification of colonies. Magnifying Lens: Often, a magnifying lens is integrated into the colony counter to aid in the accurate identification and counting of individual colonies, especially when dealing with smaller or densely packed colonies. Counting Grid or Template: A counting grid or template, sometimes marked with grids or circles, is used to help organize and streamline the counting process. This grid helps prevent double-counting of colonies and ensures accuracy in the final colony count. Counter Mechanism: The colony counter may have a mechanical or digital counter mechanism to keep track of the number of colonies counted. This feature helps in maintaining accurate records and facilitates data analysis. Adjustable Settings: Some colony counters allow users to adjust settings such as the size threshold for what constitutes a colony, as well as the brightness of the illumination, to suit different types of samples and user preferences. Ease of Use and Cleaning: The device is typically designed to be user-friendly, with easy-to-clean surfaces to maintain a sterile environment and prevent cross-contamination between samples.

The Funke-Gerber colony counter is an essential tool in microbiology laboratories for efficiently quantifying microbial growth, aiding in various research, diagnostic, and quality control applications.