Vision-Based Multispectral Imaging Analyser Provides Rapid Screening for OOS Products

Analytik has released the VideometerLab 3, an easy-to-use multispectral imaging and automated visual measurement system for fast and accurate determination of surface colour, texture and chemical composition of manufactured and natural products. Based on high-intensity and homogeneous sample illumination using light emitting diodes (LEDs) and an integrating sphere, in combination with a high-resolution camera, the well-defined and diffuse illumination enhances and highlights very small colour variations of samples.

Multispectral imaging can be described as affordable hyperspectral imaging but with a trade-off sacrificing of some spectral resolution to increase spatial information, giving a snapshot of the combined bulk properties of a sample, handling natural variation and inhomogeneity. The technique offers a rapid solution to screening for out of specification (OOS) tablets, capsules, granules and contaminated pharmaceutical powders, including assessment of shape, colour, impurities, foreign bodies, chipping and cracks. Since the response of the test material is measured almost simultaneously at up to 20 different wavelength bands, very subtle changes in composition can be detected and differences automatically flagged.

This test is entirely non-destructive, requiring only a sub-sample of the product under test to be placed in a petri dish before analysis is carried out. Much improved colour determination compared with traditional RGB technology and the ability to produce a multispectral analysis in less than six seconds makes VideometerLab 3 an ideal instrument for microbiological culture monitoring and automation, distinguishing multiple live colonies from each other as well as foreign matter or air bubbles and auto identification of pathogens.

The system could also be used to identify counterfeit pharmaceuticals through analysis of packaging (ink, lacquer, printing and substrate) as well as the actual finished dosage forms.

Analytik Ltd, +44 870 991 4044, ksenia.semina@analytik.co.uk, www.analytik.co.uk.