Australia's LBT Innovations Ltd. said its APAS Independence instrument received the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's 510(k) clearance.

The APAS Independence instrument with associated urine analysis module allows the automatic reading of culture plates, streamlining the plate triaging stage in the microbiology workflow.

The commercial instrument, classified as a class II medical device, was developed by Clever Culture Systems, LBT Innovations' 50%-owned joint venture unit.

Adelaide, South Australia-based LBT Innovations is engaged in the research and development of technologies for the healthcare and laboratory supply markets in Australia, Switzerland and the U.S.