FAQ

o A transition lab is an environment for collaboration and testing, where different actors – such as public authorities, researchers, technology developers and water organisations – together try out, interpret and introduce new ways of working.

In this case, the transition lab acts as a catalyst where new technology meets practice, where large datasets are turned into decision support, and where legislation, organisational structures and routines are explored to understand how we need to adapt for the transition to work in practice

The name refers to the shift from traditional plate cultivation methods in the laboratory to digital analysis of microorganisms and data. Instead of waiting for colonies to grow on an agar plate, modern instruments can measure and record microorganisms directly as digital information, similar to pixels.

Resultaten kan vara relevanta för många aktörer som arbetar med vatten, till exempel VA-organisationer, livsmedelsindustri, teknikleverantörer, forskare och myndigheter.

The project’s main focus is on analyses using flow cytometry and qPCR. An important part of the work is developing methods for interpreting data and for translating results into practical decisions. The development of organisational working methods to act on rapid analytical results, however, is not limited to specific analytical techniques.

Flow cytometry is an analytical method in which individual cells in a water sample pass through an instrument that measures their properties using light and fluorescence. The method makes it possible to count and to some extent characterise microorganisms within minutes.

qPCR (quantitative polymerase chain reaction) is a laboratory method used to measure genetic material from microorganisms. The method can identify and quantify specific bacteria or viruses and provides results faster than traditional cultivation.

Possibly in the longer term. At present, they are primarily intended as a complement to existing methods. They can provide faster and partly new information, while traditional methods will continue to play an important role in statutory control. Legislation takes time to change.