WASP Touch reduces time per sample in NSW

Date: 2^nd June 2021

Sonic Food & Water Testing (SFWT), a subsidiary of Sonic Healthcare Limited, was established more than 20 years ago in Penrith, NSW.

The Food & Water Testing division of Sonic Healthcare began its operations in 1990, in Emu Plains. Over the years, company development has seen the operations expand and SFWT has become one of the largest environmental microbiology laboratories operating in New South Wales.

We recently spoke to Tim Morgan, Laboratory Manager at Sonic Food and Water to ask about his experience with the WASP Touch automated spiral plating system.

“Here at Sonic Food and Water we test waters for heterotrophic plate count, mainly testing cooling tower waters. After hearing good reviews on the WASP Touch and having a great experience with previous customer service, we upgraded from the Whitley Automated Spiral Plater to the WASP Touch and were impressed with how user friendly and quick the WASP Touch was.

Before using the Whitley Automated Spiral Plater we were using pour plates in duplicate and over 3 dilutions. The use of the WASP Touch has reduced the time per sample by approximately 75% and cost-wise reduced up to 80%. We find the touch screen intuitive and easy to understand. The ability to easily change the number of plates and deposition for each spiral is particularly useful in our work. The larger water, bleach and waste containers are also great as we don’t have to change or empty anything during the plating process.

We are very happy with the WASP Touch!”

Tim Morgan
Laboratory Manager
Sonic Food and Water, Penrith, NSW, Australia