The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has purchased the FlowCAM particle imaging and analysis system from laboratory instrumentation manufacturer Fluid Imaging Technologies. Proven in use for product formulation and quality assurance at global food, beverage and biopharmaceutical giants, the FlowCAM met FDA solicitation requirements for an imaging-based particle analysis (flow microscopy) instrument that offers continuous, microscopic, non-destructive viewing of samples, and measures near transparent particles with particle size analysis from 2 microns and up. The FlowCAM’s ability to automatically detect and image particles in samples of 0.5 ml volumes at greater than 85% volume efficiency, measure their size and morphology, and execute pattern matching functions during image acquisition while providing a particle count and percent by type met the FDA technical requirements. Its ease of use and ability for operators to immediately view results and interact with images and data in real-time in an Excel format also met the requirements.

The FlowCAM replaces labor-intensive, manual microscopy with automated instrumentation that rapidly detects and images individual particles in a fluid sample. The images are saved with their corresponding size, shape, count and dozens of other measurements for further review and analysis using the company’s companion VisualSpreadsheet analysis software.  

Date: November 16, 2011
Source: Fluid Imaging Technologies