Colonygrid support

Start with the training batch

Colonygrid opens with a clearly labeled synthetic training batch. Use its four plates to inspect visible regions, capture diagnostics, retained revisions, reviewer signatures, weighted APC, charts, readiness state, and evidence generation without importing your own image.

Capture a reviewable plate image

• Use even, diffuse light and reduce glare across the plate.
• Keep the camera parallel to the plate and include its full circular edge.
• Use a stable support and a plain, contrasting background where possible.
• Review the capture signal panel before analysis. Its diagnostics are heuristic review aids, not method validation.

Analyze without losing prior work

Begin with automatic Otsu thresholding. If the visible result needs adjustment, change polarity, circular ROI, morphology, minimum area, shape limit, edge exclusion, or manual threshold and tap Run. Each run creates a retained analysis revision. Use Add and Exclude for individual reviewer decisions; these remain separate from the automatic result.

Classify and sign the record

Choose the disposition that matches the plate: exact count, no growth, TNTC, spreader, or laboratory accident. Then sign the current record. A review is tied to the exact revision, count, disposition, dilution exponent, and plated volume. Changing a governed input makes the prior review stale and creates a visible readiness blocker.

Review APC and method policy

Choose the range required by the governing method or SOP. FDA BAM 2026, USDA/AOAC, and custom ranges remain separate. Confirm each plate's dilution exponent and plated volume. Out-of-range exact counts are labeled estimated. TNTC blocks the simple weighted calculation and offers the cited FDA maximum-likelihood calculator instead.

Generate and retain evidence

Open Evidence after resolving blockers. A READY or DRAFT package contains a PDF, plate-summary CSV, region-measurements CSV, review-log CSV, project-snapshot JSON, manifest JSON, text manifest, and annotated JPEGs. Each payload is recorded with its SHA-256 digest and byte count. Generated package copies remain available for seven days, so share or archive them before they expire.

Research-use boundary

Colonygrid does not identify organisms, diagnose conditions, validate a method, certify compliance, or replace a laboratory's SOP, quality system, analyst judgment, or release authority. Review the original plate image and follow the method that governs your work.

Contact support

Include Colonygrid version 1.1 or later, the device model, iOS or iPadOS version, the tab involved, and steps that reproduce the issue. Do not email sensitive plate images or confidential sample information.