Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved culture medium and method for the enhanced growth and detection of Mycobacterium growth. The invention further relates to an improved mycobacterial reagent system or kit that can be used for the enhanced growth and detection of Mycobacterium.

Abstract: A holding structure for holding a plurality of culture plates in a stacked arrangement includes a feature for de-nesting the bottom culture plate from the plate above it. The de-nesting feature is preferably a structure which urges a plate to move laterally relative to the plate above it. The de-nesting of the bottom culture plate from the adjacent culture plate facilitates withdrawal of the bottom culture plate from the base via a robotic plate transfer mechanism. The de-nesting feature can be entirely passive, such as ramps formed in the base of the holding structure.

Abstract: Specimen containers incorporating a sensor are provided with features for decreasing the volume of polymer matrix material required for the sensor. Such volume-reducing features can take the form of scallop-like indentations projecting inwards towards the interior of the container formed in the transition between the side wall of the container and the base of the container. Alternatively, the base of the container includes a raised rim extending upwards into the interior of the body inward of and spaced from the side wall. The rim defines a chamber for the sensor. Methods of manufacturing specimen containers with cured liquid phase sensor matrix materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: An integrated filtration and detection device for collecting and detecting the growth of microorganisms in a specimen includes a container defining a chamber therein. The container has an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with the chamber. A filter is mounted in the chamber between the inlet and the outlet. A sensor is mounted in the chamber. The sensor is operative to exhibit a change in a measurable property thereof upon exposure to changes in the chamber due to microbial growth.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods, devises and kits for separating, accumulating, characterizing and/or identifying microorganisms known to be present or that may be present in a test sample. The method of the invention comprises optional 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. In one embodiment, a filtration and sample transfer device is used for isolation and/or accumulation of microorganisms by filtration. Once the microorganisms have been filtered for isolation and/or accumulation microorganisms, the isolated and/or accumulated microorganisms can be analyzing to acquire measurements for the characterization and/or identification of said microorganisms.

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 comprises a fluid channel network disposed in both the first surface and the second surface and connecting the fluid intake port to the sample wells, the fluid channel network comprising at least one distribution channels, a plurality of fill channels operatively connected to the at least one distribution channel, a plurality of through-channels operatively connected to one or more of the fill channels and a plurality of horizontally orientated fill ports operatively connecting the fill channels to the sample wells.

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 method may also be useful for the physical separation and/or enrichment of two or more different or individual microorganism species contained in a mixed test sample. The invention further provides for spectroscopic interrogation of the separated microorganism sample(s) to produce measurements of the microorganism and characterizing and/or identifying the microorganism(s) in the sample using said spectroscopic measurements.

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 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 mm in height and from about 4 to about 5 mm in thickness.

Abstract: A lockable cell growth chamber is disclosed wherein the lid and base of the dish are provided with at least two pairs of locking and anti-locking members, the locking and antilocking functions being activated by application of rotational torque.

Abstract: A detector arrangement 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: A specimen culture container agitation assembly includes an endless belt having a multitude of container-receiving clips attached thereto, each of which is adapted for retaining a specimen culture container to the belt. The belt is oriented vertically. The assembly further includes upper and lower pulleys over which the belt is driven. A drive motor drives the belt around the pulleys. Agitation of the specimen culture container is achieved by rotation of the belt over the pulleys and the retaining of the specimen culture container by the clip.

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: The present invention relates to an improved culture medium and method for the enhanced growth and detection of Mycobacterium growth. The invention further relates to an improved mycobacterial reagent system or kit that can be used for the enhanced growth and detection of Mycobacterium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved culture medium and method for the enhanced growth and detection of Mycobacterium growth. The invention further relates to an improved mycobacterial reagent system or kit that can be used for the enhanced growth and detection of Mycobacterium.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and container locator means for moving a container among one or more work-flow stations within 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.

Abstract: A method and automated apparatus for rapid non-invasive detection of a microbial agent in a test sample is described herein. The apparatus may include one or more means for automated loading, automated transfer and/or automated unloading of a specimen container. The apparatus also includes a detection system for receiving a detection container, e.g., container or vial, containing a biological sample and culture media. The detection system may also include one or more heated sources, holding structures or racks, 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 therein. 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.

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.