Overview

TotalLab 1.00 is targeted to life-science laboratories that need a fast and user-friendly program for the analysis of 1-D experiments, arrays, or 2-D blots. It can also be used for the counting of colonies. In particular, research groups that would like to establish a standard computerized method of analysis for these everyday tasks will find the software valuable. The smart design of the user interface, which distinguishes between basic and advanced features, allows new users to work productively, as well as providing adequate options for the advanced user. From a quick-launch menu, the user can access the four separate modules of the suite - 1-D gel analysis, array analysis, colony analysis, and a scanner utility. The shared user interface provides ample guidance through a unique navigator panel that combines the basic control buttons for the individual steps of the analysis, with short instructions in a help panel. Through the help panel, advanced parameters can be changed by the more skillful user, allowing a diverse number of options for the analysis. An optional automatic detection mode is available for the 1-D and the Colony Counter application. The sensitivity of the detection can be easily modified and is usually very accurate on the first analysis. In the refine mode, each of the analysis steps can be accessed and parameters altered to fit a specific, more detailed need, such as managing image distortions or choosing one of the five methods for background subtraction. Finally, lane reports can be automatically generated, or calculated data can be exported to Microsoft Excel.

How Long Did It Take to Learn to Use It Productively?

One hour. The common graphical interface for the four modules within the program is very intuitive. A navigator and help panel provide guidance through the steps of the analysis, allowing the user to instantly employ the program for basic tasks. More advanced and customizable features "hide" in the help panel. This approach helps to keep the interface clear from distraction.

Product Quality

Customizability

Throughout the program, the user can change a range of parameters for the specific analytical tasks performed by the software. Using basic features such as the annotation of images and the creation of custom standard markers, custom array layouts can be defined and fields for the result table can be chosen.

Unfortunately, some desirable customizability is not provided: for example, after one becomes familiar with the software, the help panel and toolbar labels become superfluous and limit the actual workspace, which is already sparse because of the many data windows.

Ability to Program in Scripts, Add Extension Modules, etc.

Additional modules are not available, nor does TotalLab support programming in scripts.

Ability to Import and Export in Different File Formats

TotalLab uses the tagged-image file (TIFF) format for importing images and creating images using the scanner utility. The image itself is not altered by the analysis. TotalLab supports the copy and paste function, allowing easy export into standard Windows-based programs. Images can only be exported as bitmap files; tables can be exported either as text files or transferred directly into Microsoft Excel for further analysis.

Useful or Unusual Features

Ever gotten tired of counting colonies? The colony-counter application comes in pretty handy. The option of copy and paste is extremely useful, especially when writing a short report in a word-processing program.

The program does not directly support a CCD camera, and images larger than 2 Mb may slow down the computer. The creation of reports within TotalLab is limited. Some custom applications, such as using two different molecular-weight standards in gel analysis, require some manipulation. The report-generation function has only limited options, forcing the export of results into other programs to create custom reports.

Technical Support and Documentation

One disadvantage for non-UK users is that technical support requires an international call to the United Kingdom. However, questions can also be sent by email to support@totallab.com. My email inquiries received knowledgeable responses within a reasonable time. The manual is well written, but lacks an index. A quick-start tutorial gives a good introduction for the novice.