What are the steps for starting a test?

After installation open Delvo®Scan Software by double clicking ‘Delvo®Scan Plates’ icon.

Select the Delvotest® multiplate type from the dropdown menu and click the button ‘Start the test’.

For Delvotest® T plates using software version 5.08, select “Delvotest® plates”.

Test type for Ampoules

After installation, open Delvo®Scan Software by double clicking the ‘Delvo®Scan Ampoules icon.

Select “Delvotest® ampoules” from the dropdown menu (version 5.08) and click the button ‘Start the test’.

Position and sample configuration 

This section explains how to correctly position the Delvotest plates/part of plates (called a ‘block’) or ampoules on the scanner bed and select the respective configuration in the software. 

Place the (partial) plates and select configuration

Ensure approximately 2 cm between the individual multiplate/frame and the borders of the scan bed and cover with black cloth.

Place the first test in Quarter 1, proceed by placing the second plate/block in Quarter 2 (the next one in Quarter 3 and then the last one in Quarter 4). 

• Place the bottom of plates (or blocks) on the scan bed, ensuring that the lowest row number (1 to 12) is at the top edge of the scan quarter (see also the example presented below). 
• On the software window, Select the (box ticking) to indicate the position of plates/blocks that are placed on the scanner bed.   
• A plate description/name can be added for each test positioned per ‘quarter’ (blue arrow in Figure above)

An example of scanning two partial plates is shown below:  

• First Block in Quarter 1: rows 9-10-11-12 should be placed in the ‘lower’ position
• Second Block in Quarter 2: rows 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 are placed in the ‘upper’ position 

NOTE:  make sure no ‘overhanging’ flaps of adhesive foil’ is visual for the scanner as it will disturb the location of the plate / plates/ blocks.

Place the ampoules and Select Configuration

Place the ampoules to be measured in the white ampoule grid. Place the grid with the ampoules starting in QUARTER 1 (righthand upper corner). 

NOTE: the wide side must be on the left side.

Proceed by selecting the configuration of the ampoules. Select all positions where ampoules are inserted on the white grid. An example is indicated in the figure below: 

     example ampoules ticked in box =>

Insert test information

To generate a valid test report the following fields should be filled in:

Proceed by entering the batch information on the corresponding field. 

For plates: The batch number is shown in the barcode of the plate (first 5 numbers/letter like 22G26 as shown below:

For ampoules: The ampoule batch number is displayed on the ampoule grid holder (first 5 numbers/letter like 20G14 as shown below).

It is mandatory to select an operator to proceed. Once operators are added, they are placed in memory (scroll down menu).

Sample descriptions (optional).

Sample information for plates and blocks can be added individually. Description can also be added by using barcode reader in keyboard emulation.

Alternatively, descriptions can be uploaded by pressing the button "Load Layout" and selecting a previously saved layout file. You can save the current descriptions by pressing the 'Save Layout' button to reuse them in the future.

Left: Enter information for plates                                                                    Right: Enter information for Ampoules 

Cover the blocks/plates or ampoule grid with black cloth

Before scanning the tests that are placed on the scan bed, a dark (black) background is required. This is done by draping a dark (black) cloth over the plates/frames laying on the scan bed.

For plates: Position the plates carefully as indicated in section and cover gently with the dark cloth. 

For ampoules: Place the black cloth on top of the white grid holder

Scan

After all information has been entered and the background has been provided, press the ‘Scan’ button to proceed and read the test results.

Note for plates: 

An automatic rotation check is made for each individual plate/frame. A warning message will be shown when a problem occurs. Ensure that plates and ampoules are dry and that the scan bed is clean.

If the localization of the multi plates fails one of the following error messages will be prompt:

1. Multiplate localization failed. Please reposition multiplate(s).
2. Multiplate is not recognized for rotation. Continue scanning?
3. Selected plates don't match scan.

If such an error occurs, please check the following:

1. Check all ticked off multiplates and/or parts;
2. Verify that a clean and dark cloth has been used
3. Verify the position of the multiplates and/or parts.

See ‘ Troubleshooting multiplate localization‘  for more information

When the scan has successfully completed and all multi plates/frames have been localized you can evaluate the test results.

Evaluate the scan result

 Evaluate scan for (partial) Plates

An image of the scanned plate/block is shown on the computer. Make sure the red rectangular line is correctly showing the contour of the scanned plates (see image below). Click on individual samples to ensure that the red circle identifying each sample is well positioned in the center of the test well/cavity. When not well identified, reposition the plate, close the software and restart the reading session.

Note:  make sure no ‘overhanging’ flaps of adhesive foil’ is visual for the scanner as it will disturb the location of the plate/ plates/ blocks. This will result in the red line not following the full contour of the plate.

Note: after the scanning and calculation of the test results the multi plates will have a bottom view (and therefore mirror image) on the screen.

Press next to view the reading results. 

Evaluate the Scan for Ampoules

An image of the scan (ampoules) is shown on the computer. You can evaluate the test results by moving your cursor over the samples in the scan. 

Make sure the red line around the individual ampoules is correctly showing the contour of the scanned plates (see image below).  You may click on a ‘test ampoule’ to ensure location of all wells/cavities is correct. See the red line around the selected ampoules.

Press next to view the reading results. 

By double-clicking or by first selecting a sample and then pressing ‘Next’, this selection becomes active in the results list.

Save the results

After the evaluation of the Plates/Blocks or ampoules is confirmed, the results will appear on the screen (see example below). It is mandatory to save the result to ‘finish/complete’ the testing.

It is possible to print the test results as PDF, save as a text file and/or spreadsheet file and/or save scanned image (.BMP file). For Delvotest® P 5 pack, before you finish the test, you must print the test results. 

An example of a test is shown in the picture below.

All positive test results will show red as they are ‘above’ the set threshold level.  For Delvotest® T, Delvo®Scan software 5.08 version with EPSON V600, the cut off level is Z=’0’

Values above the threshold level (Z= +0.01) are indicated as ‘Pos’, whereas values below or equal (Z=0.00) as ‘Neg’. 

By double-clicking on a row in the results list, you will return to the previous screen with the clicked row as the selected sample.

When you have finished printing (and saving) you can press ‘Finish’ to end the current test. This action returns you to the screen for the selection of a new test type.

Please note:  the values expressed in Z-values are not in any way making the Delvotest® quantitative. It remains a qualitative (Yes-No/POS-NEG test) based on microbial inhibition. Z-value are expressed in 2 decimal places, these represent no accuracy, there is no standard deviation defined.