Introducing the QwikLite™ 200

The company's novel product is a briefcase-sized QwikLite™, a portable, battery operated instrument that automates bioassay testing and produces a summary report. Disposable test kits of packaged plankton (bioluminescent dinoflagellates) are exposed to suspected toxic samples. The operator uses a bar-code scanner to begin the testing and document the results. At required intervals, (24, 36 and 48 hours) the cuvettes are inserted into a light-tight chamber, and the LD50 and IC50 of the assay measured. NPDES discharge testing requirements can be done directly on site at lower cost.

The self-contained plankton needs no special handling, just exposure to light periodically. The testing kit weighs only ounces, with a shelf life of 4-6 weeks at room temperature. Dinoflagelletes are more responsive than other aquatic research organisms, so toxicity results are known sooner.

Current Process for Toxicity Testing: 7-8 Days

Day	Steps	Activities
1	Need	Operations or protocols require toxicity testing. Client engages professional services to conduct testing and prepare report.
2	Sampling	Technician or consultant goes to site to collect sample. Sample(s) recorded and taken to test lab. Lab begins toxicity testing per protocols.
3	Dose - Test	Toxicity testing on live research organisms. Observations and notes.
4	Testing	Toxicity testing on live research organisms. Observations and notes.
5	Testing	Toxicity testing on live research organisms. Observations and notes.
6	Measure-Reporting	Toxicity testing concludes. Measurements of LD50 and notes. Data provided to professional services firm.
7	Reporting	Data reviewd by professional services firm. Report developed per protocols. Results and conclusions included in final report.
8	Reporting	Client receives report.

QwikLite™ Process for Toxicity Testing: 1-3 Days

Day	Steps	Activities
1	Need-Sample-Dose	Client's protocols require toxicity testing. Sampling done on site. Plankton are dosed per menu-driven specific protocols and procedures. Report is started.
2	Testing	After 24 hrs, one or more samples provide LD50 data. Testing may conclude or continue per protocol. Data automatically sent to report system with completed statistics.
3	Measure-Reporting	Toxicity testing concludes. Measurements of LD50 and data for all samples done automatically. Statistics automatically included in final report. Client makes notes about results and report is complete.