MIKROLA system
As regards the branch of identification, automation represents a major shift towards standardization as well as acceleration and increased efficiency of work in microbiology laboratories. Therefore, Erba Lachema offers – in addition to the standardized MIKRO-LA-TEST® identification kits – also a semi-automatic system allowing for objective, instrument-based biochemical bacterial identification in routine operation. The system allows for meeting of the needs and requirements of microbiology laboratories on various levels and with respect to their different financial possibilities. The system strictly respects the requirements pertaining to standardization of work procedures within all stages being a prerequisite of reliable and reproducible results.
Individual elements of the system are as follows:
MULTISKAN Reader
Automatic reading of reactions is performed using a multi-channel reader manufactured by Labsystems (Multiskan EX).Reader Multiskan EX The well-tested universal equipment allowing for reading of 96-pit microtitration plates is ideal also for a wide range of other assessments such as ELISA, a quantitative protein assessment, gene assessments and many others. As a standard, the equipment contains the Genesis Lite and Transmit applications used for processing of results of readings and their transfer into other applications.
TNW® Identification Applications
Software applications used for identification TNWof micro-organisms, which exploit the numerical identification method, represent – in combination with high-quality, standard, miniaturized identification sets – the most efficient and most reliable possibility for identification in routine microbiological practice. Erba Lachema supplies identification applications of the TNW range for the aforementioned purpose.
Use of the TNW Pro Auto software is essential for the purpose of automatic identification using the MIKROLA system.
MIKRO-LA-TEST® Preparations
The MIKRO-LA-TEST® range comprises identification kits, detection strips used for detection of bacterial enzymes or metabolites and diagnostic discs allowing for simple differentiation of bacteria directly on the culture medium.
VORTEX
The Vortex equipment is to be used for homogenization of microbial suspensions in a test tube.
DENSI-LA-METER® II
An instrument used for determination of density of the bacterial inoculum. DENSI-LA-METER® II is a very simple optical 
instrument designed specifically for the purpose of comfortable and fast determination of bacterial density being the fundamental standardization stage of bacterial identification, determination of sensitivity to antimicrobial substances and other manners of use. The instrument is based on the principle of measurement of optical absorbance; the measured values are presented directly in the units pursuant to McFarland. It proves to be unique due to its ability to perform six measurements within one single stage, thus eliminating contingent asperities in vessels - test tubes. The instrument allows for measurement of a wide range of turbidity of solutions (0.0 – 15.0 McF). Calibration is performed min. in three values in the range of 0.5-9.0 McFarland. The DENSI-LA-METER® II instrument has been calibrated for sterile, single-use, plastic test tubes supplied together with the instrument.
MIKRO-LA-STEPPER
A pipette used for inoculation of MIKRO-LA-TEST® identification tests and other manners of 
use. The MIKRO-LA-STEPPER inoculation stepping pipette is to be used for standard, fast and comfortable inoculation of MIKRO-LA-TEST® identification kits as well as other batching operations in microbiology laboratories. Using the 7 types of batching tips featuring the volume range of 10-5,000 ul and 5 adjustable batching volumes it is possible to perform the required number of preset feeding steps for a single filling of a tip without its repeated filling. The design of the pipette offers a high level of comfort in relation to its handling using one hand. It is necessary to use a special adapter for the purpose of installation of the largest tips (6 and 7). Any and all stepping tips are available in both sterile and non-sterile versions. Repeated use of stepping tips in microbiology is possible thanks to the method of chemosterilisation.
Multistepper Module
A stepping 8-channel module used for inoculation of bacterial suspensions. MULTISTEPPER MODULE is to be used in combination with the MIKRO-LA-STEPPER pipette for the purpose of standard inoculation of MIKRO-LA-TEST® identification tests as well as other manners of use. It represents another major extension of the possibilities to use the MIKRO-LA-STEPPER stepping pipette. The stepping 8-channel module allows (within the scope of a single draw-in) for an accurate, comfortable and simultaneous dispensing of the liquid: 24x50 ml = 192 pits, 12x100 ml = 96 pits, 8x150 ml = 64 pits, 6x200 ml = 48 pits and 5x250 ml = 40 pits. The universal handle of the MIKRO-LA-STEPPER pipette is to be used both for the MULTISTEPPER MODULE and the Finntip Stepper 1-channel tips.
