Serial Diluters by iNLABTEC – Sustainable, Efficient Microbial Dilution Systems
Serial dilution system with disposable plastic bags
Description
Discover the next generation of microbial testing with Inlabtec Serial Diluters. Designed for precision, sustainability, and ease of use, our systems automate the preparation of decimal serial dilutions using eco-friendly dilution bags. Explore our models to find the right fit for your lab’s workflow and budget.
Inlabtec Serial Diluters simplify the preparation of decimal serial dilutions by replacing conventional tubes with sterile, low-material Serial Dilution Bags. Developed for microbiological testing laboratories, these systems minimize manual preparation, streamline dilution workflows, and help maintain consistent, ISO-compatible dilution procedures.
The Inlabtec Serial Dilution System integrates ready-to-use Serial Dilution Bags with automated dispensing and built-in mixing. Samples are pipetted directly into the dilution bag, where the Serial Diluter homogenises them to deliver fast, reliable, and standardised sample dilutions without requiring changes to existing laboratory methods.
Compact in design, the system fits easily into established laboratory workflows and occupies only minimal bench space, similar to a vortex mixer and tube rack.
Select the model that best matches your laboratory’s throughput, workflow, and budget. As a general guideline, the Serial Diluter UA is suitable for laboratories processing up to approximately 50 samples per day, while the fully automated Serial Diluter UC is recommended for laboratories handling around 50 samples daily or higher.
| 1-6 / 12 dilution steps UC/UA up to 6; UA12 up to 12 | 0.5-99s mixing time Adjustable; factory setting 3s | 2,000 bags / carton Sterile bags dispensed from a box |
| Precision that survives real lab work | Less prep, less clutter, fewer touches |
|---|---|
| Controlled mixing and dispensing. UC sensors and illuminated openings guide users through sample addition/retrieval. | Ready-to-use sterile bags reduce washing, refilling, autoclaving, sorting, and bulky rack management. |
Serial Diluter UC: Automatic
The Serial Diluter UC is Inlabtec’s fully automated system for serial dilution applications. It combines the patented bag-based dilution technology with automated dispensing, integrated mixing, and intuitive user guidance.
Illuminated bag openings assist users during sample loading and retrieval, while built-in sensors monitor key workflow steps and automatically manage dispensing and mixing. This reduces manual intervention and promotes a consistent dilution process, making the UC particularly well suited to laboratories with higher daily sample volumes.
Designed for routine microbiological testing, the Serial Diluter UC delivers high workflow efficiency, dependable handling, and maximum automation for serial dilution procedures.
Serial Diluter UA: Semi-Automatic
The Serial Diluter UA is Inlabtec’s semi-automatic solution for efficient, standardised serial dilution. It combines sterile Serial Dilution Bags with controlled diluent dispensing and integrated mixing in a straightforward, user-friendly workflow.
Moving the dosing lever to the right initiates mixing and fills the next dilution bag automatically. After a brief familiarisation period, users can prepare dilution series rapidly and consistently without the need for tube handling, vortexing, washing, or autoclaving.
The UA is an excellent choice for laboratories seeking a reliable and cost-effective way to simplify serial dilution workflows, particularly where sample throughput is low to moderate.
Features of the InlabTec serial dilutor:
- Inherent in Inlabtec bag-based systems, the Serial Diluter UC ensures high precision and reliability in microbiological dilution processes.
- Seamlessly integrates user-centric automation, providing a fully automated dilution process for enhanced efficiency.
- User-centered design simplifies the intricate process of serial dilution to a straightforward and user-friendly pipetting experience.
- Strategically placed illuminated openings offer intuitive instructions to users, enhancing the overall experience and reliability of sample addition and retrieval.
- Leverages cutting-edge sensor technology for consistent detection of sample additions, enabling efficient control over mixing and diluent addition.
- Proven in ISO 17025 accredited laboratories and proficiency testing schemes – trusted performance with no reported issues.
Benefits of the Serial Dilutor
Guarantees exceptional accuracy in dilution processes, ensuring reliable and precise microbiological testing results.
Provides an unparalleled ease in microbiological workflows, streamlining processes and enhancing overall laboratory efficiency.
Offers a user-friendly operation with simple pipetting, making it accessible to a wide range of users in the laboratory setting.
The incorporation of illuminated openings enhances the overall user experience and reliability of sample addition and retrieval.
Maximizes process speed through efficient sensor control, contributing to optimal performance in laboratory operations.
ROI model: where bag-based dilution reduces hidden tube costs
A compact 2,000-bag carton changes the economics across handling, storage, logistics, disposal, and waste management.
| 32.6x smaller storage cube 2.6 L vs. ~84.8 L | 31x lighter inbound load 0.67 kg (1.5 lb) vs. ~20.8 kg (45.9 lb) | 98% less material waste 0.5 kg PE (1.1 lb) vs. 30 kg glass (66 lb) |
Cost categories converted into ROI
Fewer touches, less bench/rack inventory, lower inbound weight, smaller waste stream, and less cleaning/autoclave burden.
Per 10,000 dilutions: 13 L and 3.35 kg (7.4 lb) for bags vs. ~424 L and ~104 kg (229 lb) for tubes.
| ROI bucket | Tube-based workflow | Inlabtec bag workflow | What the lab gets back |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handling / labor | Manual tube prep, racks, filling, washing, sterilization, and QC checks. | Sterile bags pulled from a 2,000-count roll and used with automated or semi-automated dilution. | Fewer manual touches; less operator-dependent variability; less time spent on container preparation and handling. |
| Storage | ~84.8 L per 2,000 units using a documented 9 mL sterile tube case scaled to 2,000. | 2.6 L per 2,000 bags; one carton at 130 × 125 × 160 mm (5.1 × 4.9 × 6.3 in). | ~82.2 L saved per 2,000; ~96.9% lower cube. |
| Logistics | ~20.8 kg (45.9 lb) inbound weight per 2,000 units using the tube-package benchmark. | 0.67 kg (1.5 lb) total carton weight per 2,000 bags. | ~20.2 kg (44.5 lb) less inbound weight per 2,000; lower freight handling burden. |
| Disposal / waste cost | Material mass can reach 30 kg (66.1 lb) per 2,000 glass tubes at 15 g/tube, before secondary packaging. | 0.5 kg (1.1 lb) PE bag material per 2,000 bags plus light cardboard packaging. | Disposal cost scales with mass and volume: up to ~98% less material mass to manage. |
| Energy / utilities | Inlabtec lists 9-16.2 kJ per glass tube for washing and autoclaving. | No tube washing/autoclave cycle in the lab; bag energy is tied to production/disposal. | Frees autoclave capacity and reduces cleaning labor, water, detergents, and cycle scheduling. |
