Bacterial Colony and Cell Counting Software | Phoretix Colony Counter

Automated bacterial colony, cell or particulate counting software
Phoretix Colony Counter is the latest evolution of our colony and cell counting image analysis software and has been developed in line with industry needs and feedback to deliver the highest-quality data in the shortest amount of time with the lowest inter-operator variation possible.
It offers users:
- Speed. Automate your colony, cell or particulate counting and get results in less than a minute per image.
- Objectivity. Unmatched automation reduces the need for manual intervention and minimizes inter-operator variability.
- Reproducibility. Consistent analysis results between different users, labs and different imaging devices.
- Quantitation. Enables reliable, accurate quantitation of colonies, cells or particulates
- 21 CFR or GMP-compliance. When combined with our AuditSafe software, allows users to meet and even exceed FDA 21 CFR part 11/EudraLex Annex 11/GAMP4 standards for compliance within regulated or QC environments, from captured image all the way through to final analysis and report production.
It is ideal for the quantitative analysis of:
- Bacterial colonies
- Cell number
- Particulate number
- ELISpot Spots
Our software is device agnostic, so can help to reduce costs as it can be used with all your existing laboratory equipment regardless of brand and allow you to simplify your workflow by only having to train operators in one piece of software. This is especially important in labs requiring 21 CFR/GxP compliance as it drastically reduces inter-operator variation in analysis.
It’s also compatible with all industry-standard image formats (.tif, .tiff, .gel, .img, .jpg, .jpeg, .bmp and .png) and is compatible with the latest versions of both Windows and macOS operating systems (11 and Monterey).


Intuitive Colony + Cell Detection and Counting
Phoretix Colony Counter supports both automatic colony and cell detection and manual colony counting features if desired within your workflow. Multiwell plates are also fully supported with fully user customizable areas of detection and detection sensitivity settings that can be unique to each well or even different areas within the same well or plate.
Unlike other software, we impose no limitations on to the number of detection or sample areas that can be counted – the only limitation is the power of the computer the software is being used on. This gives a much more flexible approach to cell or colony counting allowing users much more freedom in defining areas for counting and supporting non-traditional workflows.
As with all our software, Phoretix Colony Counter has been designed with an intuitive and easy-to-use interface to minimize the time required to train new operators and inter-operator variability. Our simplified workflow guides the user through their analysis whilst leaving a large, central viewing area of the image and data being analyzed.
If you’d like a demo to see just how easy it is to use, please get in touch.
Harmonise your lab equipment
Our software is device agnostic, so can reduce costs as it can be used with all of your existing laboratory equipment regardless of the manufacturer or any additional equipment gained during future business acquisitions.
Phoretix Colony Counter is compatible with (but not limited to) equipment produced by Bio-Rad, Cytiva, Azure Biosystems, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Syngene, Vilber and many more
It’s also compatible with all industry-standard image formats:
.TIF/.TIFF
Phoretix Colony Counter supports 8-bit, 16-bit (recommended) and higher uncompressed TIFF images. Multi-page and multiplex TIFFs are supported and each page is interpreted as a “channel” (all of which must have the same dimensions and pixel format).
.JPG/.JPEG/.PNG/.BMP/.IMG
While not recommended because of their low bit-depth and (sometimes) compression artifacts, these image formats can still be analyzed.
This means you aren’t locked in or reliant on one particular equipment manufacturer, reducing your business risk, allowing you greater freedom in your imaging equipment selection and facilitating easier tech transfer between labs.
Click and Count
The automatic colony detection and counting features built into Phoretix Colony Counter are designed to save users time and reduce inter-operator variability, however we appreciate that some of our customers want to a take a more classic, manual approach to colony counting whilst still retaining 21 CFR/GMP-compliance and the ease of use our software provides.
Phoretix Colony Counter software fully supports a simple “Click and Count” mode to make manual cell or colony counting as quick and easy as possible.

Easily Export Your Data
In Phoretix Colony Counter , we put your data front and centre and allow you to view it, and how it changes in real-time, alongside your image view at all times.
From here, your data can be easily exported in .CSV file format, copied directly to your clipboard for immediate pasting into another piece of software or exported as a more formal .PDF report for inclusion into almost all ELN and LIMS.
Also built directly into Phoretix Colony Counter is the functionality to export your images directly for publication or presentations in .jpeg, .png or .bmp file formats:
Your analyzed data is always readily and easily accessible and able to be shared across multiple programs in industry standard file formats.
21 CFR Part 11 and GMP/GMP-compliance
Phoretix Colony Counter, along with all TotalLab software, can be integrated into our 21 CFR Part 11/GMP-compliant AuditSafe software to ensure full 21 CFR/ALCOA/GMP/EU Annex 11 compliance for use in regulated industry environments (such as the pharmaceutical industry) where data traceability, accountability, and integrity are critical.
AuditSafe restricts software and data access through secure user sign-ins, granular permissions, audit logs, electronic signatures and image authenticity checks. Click here to find out more.
Full IQ/OQ Validation Packages Available
At TotalLab, we’ve been supporting the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies with highly secure, production-ready versions of our software for over a decade now and enjoy very good relationships across the industry.
We know the importance of properly validated software and how it forms part of your QC journey so we offer a full, in-person IQ/OQ package to accompany the sale of regulated versions of our software
Flexible Licensing Options
At TotalLab we’ve been working with pharmaceutical and academic life science customers for decades, we know that some of our users prefer offline licensing to enhance security within their sites. This isn’t a problem, all TotalLab software can be activated easily either online or offline.
Our licensing system licenses a whole computer at once, with no restrictions on the number of users who have access to the software on that computer.
Licenses can be purchased singularly for one computer or we also offer discounts on multiple license purchases at the same time if you want to cover multiple computers across your site; enabling hybrid working to perform analysis outside of the lab or to allow multiple analyses to happen at the same time.
We can also support enterprise licensing for full site-wide licenses covering large pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities and research facilities at a significant discount vs buying singular or multiple licenses.
For pricing and any other licensing related queries please contact us.
Support and Maintenance
At TotalLab we take pride in offering the highest level of support and educational resources to all of our customers. Our team of experts are dedicated to ensuring that you have the best experience possible and we fully comprehend the scientific principles behind both your images and experiments. Pricing for unlimited technical support, training and free updates are included in your license cost – one fee, complete piece of mind. You’ll always be eligible for the latest version of the software on the latest operating systems so there’s no fear of future operating system incompatibility or running insecure, outdated software for critical operations.
We never use call centers – when you need support you’ll speak directly to a member of the TotalLab team. We understand your time is valuable, which is why we aim to resolve your queries as quickly as possible, ensuring minimal disruption to your workflow.
In addition to our exceptional support, we also offer a range of educational resources. Our extensive library of tutorials and guides will provide you with the knowledge you need to use our software effectively. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a newcomer, our resources will ensure that you have the skills you need to succeed.
If you have a question about using our software, please email support@totallab.com and a member of our team will be in touch to help you.