QwikLite™ Results Reporting Software

Software Controls and Report Generation

QwikLite™ 200's software controls the set up, all procedures and operations of the instrument. The QwikLite™ Results Reporting Software then stores all bioluminescence and fluorescence data. The software has built in EPA and ASTM protocols and procedures so that quality control steps are followed and documented. This makes inorganic and organic contaminant testing much more reliable and accurate, and final reports are easy to complete. The menu-driven procedures and automatic operation make the QwikLite™ 200 as simple to use as a pH kit.

The color graphic user interface provides feedback of all inputs and an indication of progress through the testing sequences and protocols. The user interface acts as both the input for the bioassay test set-up, and as the onboard program for the final report.

QwikLite™ 200 Final Bioassay Test Report

Test Sequence

The testing process follows defined EPA bioassay required protocols. The software has checks and balances to ensure the operator has provided all necessary information. The menu-driven sequence prompts the operator, and the QwikLite™ Results Reporting Software displays progress throughout the testing.

Step-by-step protocols are used for all required test sequences, and actions are confirmed for all tests, and for each sample in the single use test kits. This ensures accurate, reliable and repeatable results.

The QwikLite™ software automatically collects the data for all tested samples. The reports use defined templates with PC-compatible applications (MS Word, MS Excel or equivalent). Data from the QwikLite™ optics and electronics are sent to these applications and final reports prepared. These reports can also be configured by the customer for individual compliance and record keeping requirements.

The bioluminescence and fluorescence data sets are run through statistical programs for calculation of mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, and percent of control for all tested samples. The QwikLite™ Results Reporting Software provides the following user-selectable toxicity and cell viability assessments:

Lethal Concentration (LC50) = Concentration likely to cause a 50% reduction in survival of the tested population.
Lethal Dose (LD50) = Dosage of a substance likely to cause a 50% reduction in survival of the tested population.
Inhibition Concentration (IC50) = Concentration likely to cause a 50% reduction in light output from the population.
Effective Concentration (EC50) = Effective concentration that inhibits growth in 50% of the tested population.

The completed QwikLite™ reports are immediately available for transmission via computer, network, or the cell phone to another location, regulatory agency for online compliance reporting. The files are easily transferred to a PC for further manipulation, graphing, or to a database. Approximately 50 completed test results can be stored by the software.

Bar Coding for Quality Control and Automated Sample Tracking

A bar code is used on each disposable test kit for quality control and quality assurance purposes. The bar coding process interfaces to the microprocessor and QwikLite™ Results Reporting Software system. For each test kit, information about the sample number, lot code, etc. becomes part of the final record and is recorded automatically for each sample. Prior to each test, the system requires these scanned inputs; ensuring accurate test results are attributed to unique samples and their original test kit. The scanner also obtains necessary codes for instrument communication and to initialize the test protocols within the QwikLite™ Results Reporting Software.

Sample Size and Statistics

Samples are measured and the data collected per the required and specified protocol at 24, 36, 48, or 72 hours. The exact and unique test kit is verified prior to testing. At the testing interval, the survival and biological viability of the plankton is measured optically as described above, and the results are provided in the final report.

For statistical significance, the testing for toxicity uses multiple disposable test kits. For example, five disposable test kits provide five Controls and five Data Points of each concentration level. These data points are automatically stored and then compiled with the QwikLite™ Results Reporting Software. All original data as well as statistical analysis is retrieval by the user, and a formatted final report is available for printing, storage, or transmission.