Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods, devices and kits for separating, accumulating, characterizing and/or identifying microorganisms in a test sample. The method of the invention includes optionally lysing non-microorganism cells and/or particulates that may be present in a test sample, followed by a subsequent filtration step for isolation and/or accumulation of microorganisms. The filtration and sample transfer device may be used for isolation and/or accumulation of microorganisms by filtration. Once the microorganisms have been filtered for isolation and/or accumulation, the microorganisms can be analyzed to acquire measurements for the characterization and/or identification of said microorganisms.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus with circuits that are configured to detect fallen containers upstream or proximate an intake zone suitable for automated evaluation apparatus using different sensors, including at least one lower sensor and at least one upper sensor which is positioned to project an optical signal at a height corresponding to a top portion of an upright container to thereby allow an increased reliability in detection of different orientations and positions of fallen containers. An optional second lower sensor may be used which is longitudinally spaced apart from the first lower sensor and the lower sensors can transmit optical signals across the container travel path that do not intersect.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to sample test cards having an increased sample well capacity for analyzing biological or other test samples. In one embodiment, the sample test cards of the present invention comprise one or more fluid over-flow reservoirs, wherein the over-flow reservoirs are operatively connected to a distribution channel by a fluid over-flow channel. In another embodiment, the sample test cards may comprise a plurality of flow reservoirs operable to trap air thereby reducing and/or preventing well-to-well contamination. The test card of this invention may comprise from 80 to 140 individual sample wells, for example, in a test card sample test cards of the present invention have a generally rectangular shape sample test card having dimensions of from about 90 to about 95 mm in width, from about 55 to about 60 in height and from about 4 to about 5 mm in thickness.

Abstract: A detector arrangement is disclosed for a blood culture bottle incorporating a colorimetric sensor which is subject to change of color due to change in pH or CO2 of a sample medium within the blood culture bottle. The detector arrangement includes a sensor LED illuminating the colorimetric sensor, a reference LED illuminating the colorimetric sensor, a control circuit for selectively and alternately activating the sensor LED and the reference LED, and a photodetector. The photodetector measures reflectance from the colorimetric sensor during the selective and alternating illumination of the colorimetric sensor with the sensor LED and the reference LED and generates intensity signals. The reference LED is selected to have a peak wavelength of illumination such that the intensity signals of the photodetector from illumination by the reference LED are not substantially affected by changes in the color of the colorimetric sensor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a separation device or container that can be used in the separation, isolation or pelleting of microorganisms from a test samples known to contain or suspected of containing said microorganisms. Subsequently, the separated, isolated or pelleted microorganism sample can undergo one or more interrogation steps to provide measurements useful for the characterization and/or identification of microorganism. In one aspect of the present invention, the interrogation steps can occur in situ in the separation device or container described herein.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods, systems, and computer program products for detecting pipette tip integrity.

Abstract: A method for identification and/or characterization of a microbial agent present in a sample includes a step of analytical test data (e.g., obtaining intrinsic fluorescence values over a range of emission wavelengths) from the microbial agent. The analytical test data is transformed thereby minimizing strain to strain variations within an organism group. With the aid of a programmed computer, a multi-level classification algorithm coded as a set of processing instructions operates on the transformed analytic test data. The multiple levels correspond to different levels in a taxonomic hierarchy for microbial agents suspected of being in the sample.

Abstract: Adapter caps for sample collection containers have a monolithic elongate body with an upper neck portion that merges into a larger lower body portion with an open internal cavity. The upper neck portion has an open needle bore that is concentrically aligned with the open internal cavity. The monolithic elongate body has an axially extending centerline. The needle bore has a downwardly extending wall with an inner surface that comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart longitudinally extending flat surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for monitoring, detecting, and/or characterizing a biological particle that may be present in a sample. The method may be accomplished in a sealed container by utilizing a first step time-dependent spectroscopic technique to obtain at least two measurements of a growth composition comprising a sample and correlating said measurements for the detection and/or characterization of a biological particle that may be present in the sample. The method further provides for a subsequent step for the separation, characterizion and/or identification of the microorganisms in the sealed container.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods, systems, and computer program products for detecting a surface using a pipette and/or for positioning a pipette.

Abstract: MALDI-TOF MS systems have solid state lasers and successive and varied delay times between ionization and acceleration (e.g. extraction) to change focus masses during a single sample signal acquisition without requiring tuning of the MS by a user. The (successive) different delay times can change by 1 ns to about 500 ns, and can be in a range that is between 1-2500 nanoseconds.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for separating, characterizing and/or identifying microorganisms in a test sample. The method of the invention comprises an optional lysis step for lysing non-microorganism cells that may be present in a test sample, followed by a subsequent separation step. The method may be useful for the separation, characterization and/or identification of microorganisms from complex samples such as blood-containing culture media. The invention further provides methods for separating, characterizing and/or identifying microorganisms in situ within a single system.

Abstract: A device and method for determining antimicrobial resistance status of a microorganism from a positive sample bottle is provided. The device may include a housing having a chamber for receiving a vial containing a sample; a light source positioned to direct light through a side of the chamber; and a photodetector positioned such that light transmitted or scattered by the sample is sensed by the photodetector. The device may also include a heat source and/or an agitation device. The method includes providing the device, loading a sample from an automated sample culture system into the vial; interrogating the vial using the light source and the photodetector; and determining the antimicrobial resistance status of the microorganism in the sample based on the interrogating step. The method may also include heating and/or agitating the sample.

Abstract: Apparatus for automated venting and/or sampling of a specimen container having a closure sealing the interior of the specimen container from the environment is disclosed. The apparatus includes a rack holding the specimen container; a venting and/or sampling device having a needle, a chamber in fluid communication with the needle and a port in fluid communication with the chamber; a robotic transfer mechanism moveable relative to the rack; a sample removal apparatus attached to the robotic transfer mechanism having gripping features for gripping the venting device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, computer program products, apparatus and circuits are configured to detect fallen containers upstream or proximate an intake zone suitable for automated evaluation apparatus using different sensors, including at least one lower sensor and at least one upper sensor which is positioned to project an optical signal at a height corresponding to a top portion of an upright container to thereby allow an increased reliability in detection of different orientations and positions of fallen containers. An optional second lower sensor may be used which is longitudinally spaced apart from the first lower sensor and the lower sensors can transmit optical signals across the container travel path that do not intersect.

Abstract: A label applicator, system, and method for applying labels to curved sides of objects, such as cell culture dishes, is provided. In an aspect, the label applicator includes a body having a first side and a second side, the second side comprising a curved surface; a base; at least one first resilient member having a defined length between a first end and a second end; and at least one second resilient member engaging the body and the base, wherein the second end of the at least one first resilient member is configured to removably attach to a label and, when the label is in contact with the second end and an object, to apply a pressure to the label that increases as the at least one first resilient member and at least one second resilient member are compressed. The system may also include a label verifier and/or label verification system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and automated loading mechanism for loading an apparatus. The apparatus of the present invention may include a means for automated loading, a means for automated transfer and/or a means for automated unloading of a container (e.g., a specimen container). In one embodiment, the apparatus can be an automated detection apparatus for rapid non-invasive detection of a microbial agent in a test sample. The detection system also including a heated enclosure, a holding means or rack, and/or a detection unit for monitoring and/or interrogating the specimen container to detect whether the container is positive for the presence of a microbial agent. In other embodiment, the automated instrument may include one or more, bar code readers, scanners, cameras, and/or weighing stations to aid in scanning, reading, imaging and weighing of specimen containers within the system.