Interview
Ingrid Castro Urrutia,
Director of Cooprinsem’s Laboratory Center
Can you briefly describe Cooprinsem’s laboratory operation?
Cooprinsem operates one of the most modern veterinary and agricultural laboratory centers in Chile. Our milk quality laboratory is ISO 17025 accredited and processes more than two million milk samples per year. Some of the test results are used directly in payment systems, so accuracy, consistency, and reliability are absolutely critical for us.
What made you consider BactoScan™ 5?
We have many years of experience with BactoScan™ FC instruments, so bacteria analysis using FOSS technology is nothing new to us. However, we needed a next-generation solution that could support our growing test volumes, improve daily efficiency, and ensure long-term reliability without compromising result equivalence. BactoScan™ 5 was a natural step forward.
How did the implementation go?
The transition was very smooth. We purchased the instrument in September 2025, followed by installation, commissioning, and validation in the last quarter of the year. Routine analysis started in February 2026. From day one, the system behaved exactly as expected. There were no surprises, no instability, and no disruption to our services.
What has changed in daily operations?
The biggest difference is operational confidence.
• BactoScan™ 5 is stable and results are reproducible
• Internal quality control is straightforward
• No unexpected trends or deviations
• Daily routines are simpler and easier to manage, and we estimated that we save 30-45 minutes per day
This makes a real difference in a high-throughput laboratory like ours, where efficiency and predictability matter every single day.
How do you evaluate the performance of BactoScan™ 5?
The performance fully meets our expectations. BactoScan™ 5 delivers results that are consistent with both reference methods (ISO 4833-1) and our previously validated BactoScan systems. Repeatability and comparability are excellent, and the system remains under statistical control during routine use. For us, that means trust. We can rely on the results, even when working at high sample volumes.
What is the key benefit for Cooprinsem?
BactoScan™ 5 allows us to combine high analytical confidence with operational efficiency. We can process large numbers of samples, meet demanding turnaround times, and maintain the high standards required for milk payment systems, without adding complexity to daily lab work.
Would you recommend BactoScan™ 5 to other milk quality laboratories?
Yes. Especially for laboratories operating at scale and needing a reliable, future-proof solution for routine bacteria analysis. BactoScan™ 5 fits naturally into a modern milk testing lab.
