APAS Independence

Setting the standard for microbiology culture plate reading.

Automated Plate Assessment System (APAS).

APAS Independence is a stand-alone instrument that automates the imaging, interpretation and reporting of microbial growth on culture plate media for laboratories.

APAS — Simple walk away automation

APAS Independence is designed for its ease of use. Simply initiate a session and walk away while the APAS Independence autonomously reads, interprets, sorts and validates results — automatically.

How does APAS technology work?

The APAS Independence provides intelligent automation solutions for the highest-value activities within clinical microbiology labs. APAS has achieved regulatory clearances in the US, Europe and Australia.

Sample collection

Collect samples using your processes and media.

End-point reading

Culture plates are bulk-loaded into the APAS instrument following incubation.

Imaging system chamber

High quality, reproduceable images of culture plates are captured.

Uniform lighting

A custom and patented design ensures the image is free from reflective interferences and representative of a plate-in-hand.

Image quality

Every image is checked for integrity and simple daily QC checks ensure the system is performing within specification.

Intelligent sorting

AI-algorithms automatically interpret microbial growth and plates are sorted into neat stacks for further processing.

High through-put

The instrument can automatically process 200 culture plates per hour — without manual intervention — 3 times the speed of manual handling.

Real-time reporting

Each result is sent to the LIMS in real-time as it is processed, enabling a faster turnaround time for reporting.

Learn how APAS Independence streamlines lab workflows

CLINICAL

"The APAS Independence helps drive consistency in the lab through the introduction of an objective automated approach to routine lab processes."

Alan Williams, Lead Clinical Scientist, HSL

APAS Independence Analysis Modules

Culture plate being inspected by APAS Independence

AI image analysis

APAS Independence Analysis Modules are AI-enabled software that delivers the intelligent image analysis you need for efficient accurate microbiology automation.

Clever Culture Systems offers a range of APAS Independence Analysis Modules that are validated across multiple culture plate media and sample types.

APAS Analysis Modules

APAS Independence at a glance

Fast

200 plate per hour throughput to read, interpret and digitally report

Accurate

Scientifically proven, improving standardisation of results

Cost effective

Streamlines workflow, efficiently removes plates from manual review

Media

Validated with major media suppliers, no proprietary media

APAS Independence specifications

General Description

APAS Independence is an Automated Culture Plate Reader

Imaging Time

Minimum throughput 200 plates per hour

Input Stack

4 cassettes / 60 plates per cassette 
240 plate capacity

Plate Compatibility

Full plates / bi-plates / Settle Plates 90mm plates 
Contact plates 55-60mm

Dimensions (L x W x H)

2000mm x 800mm x 1600mm | 78.74" x 31.5" x 62.99"

Configuration

Freestanding

LIMS Interface

Multiple formats supported

Weight

330kg | 727.5lb

Operating Environment

Ambient temperature range | 15°C–27°C | 59°F-81°F 
Humidity: 20% - 80% (non-condensing indoor use) 
Altitude: Sea level to 2000m | 6562ft

Noise Specifications 
Noise level shall not exceed:

Continuous: 58dBA at 1m | 3.3ft 
Peaks: 70dBA at 1m | 3.3ft

Electrical Input

90-240VAC, 50-60Hz, 6 Amps

Warranty

12 months from date of commissioning