Abstract: A method of preparing a characterization zone of an analysis plate to carry out a characterization of a population of a microorganism in the presence of an antimicrobial agent by mass spectrometry using the MALDI technique. The method involves the following steps in succession: a step for providing an analysis plate for a characterization by means of the MALDI technique, the plate including an analysis zone carrying an antimicrobial agent; a step of depositing the population of a microorganism onto said analysis zone in contact with the antimicrobial agent; an incubation step of preserving the analysis plate under conditions and for a sufficient time to allow the antimicrobial agent and the microorganism that is present to interact; and a step of depositing a matrix that is suitable for the MALDI technique onto the analysis zone; associated characterization and functionalization methods, analysis plates and uses.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and apparatus are provided for controlling components of a detection device. The device may detect turbidity of liquid with sensors such as a density sensor and/or nephelometric sensor. A light modulation pattern may reduce or eliminate interference in sensor readings. Readings may be performed during off cycles of an illumination light to reduce interference but to provide improved visibility of a tube. Dark and light sensor readings may be performed with an emitter respectively off or on to account for ambient light in subsequent readings. Readings from the density sensor and/or nephelometric sensor may be used to calculate McFarland values. The device may be zeroed based on an emitter level that results in a sensor reading satisfying a predetermined criterion.

Abstract: Instruments, systems, and methods for measuring optical density of microbiological samples are provided. In particular, optical density instruments providing improved safety, efficiency, comfort, and convenience are provided. Such optical density instruments include a handheld portion and a base station. The optical density instruments may be used in systems and methods for measuring optical density of biological samples.

Abstract: A method for distinguishing among a first group of microorganisms belonging to a first taxon of Gram negative bacteria, the first group of bacteria exhibiting a mechanism of resistance to a treatment; a second group of microorganisms belonging to a second taxon of Gram negative bacteria, the second taxon of bacteria being different than said first taxon, and exhibiting a mechanism of resistance to a treatment identical to the mechanism of the first group; and a third group of Gram negative bacteria that is not resistant to the treatment.

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 provides a novel method for the recombinant production of Factor C protein from horseshoe crab using a parasitic protozoan expressing the Factor C protein. In particular, the present invention provides a parasitic protozoan host cell harbouring a polynucleotide encoding horseshoe crab Factor C protein, and a method for producing Factor C protein comprising culturing said parasitic protozoan host cell under conditions such that the cells express the horseshoe crab Factor C protein. Furthermore, the present invention provides recombinant Factor C protein produced by the novel method and its use in the detection and/or removal of endotoxin.

Abstract: A determination method for determining, in an immunodepressed subject, a humoral response due to the presence of a target infectious agent, by detection, in a biological sample of the subject, of at least one target antibody that is susceptible of being produced by the subject when the latter is infected with or has been infected with the target infectious agent. Also, a determination method for determining a humoral response due to the presence of a target infectious agent from a biological sample from an immunodepressed or non-immunodepressed subject, in which the dilution ratio of the sample is selected as a function of the immunodepressed condition or otherwise of the subject concerned.

Abstract: A cuvette in which a fluorescent enzymatic reaction can be carried out that is for analyzing a sample includes at least one vertical wall and a bottom. The cuvette is made of a transparent or translucent material and a portion of the cuvette is partially covered on the outside with a sleeve including an inner coating made of retro-reflective material that is in contact with the cuvette.

Abstract: A method for detecting and/or identifying at least one target microorganism present on a surface, including the following steps: a) depositing, on the surface, a composition including a synthetic, water-soluble film-forming polymer, the composition being a liquid and/or viscous composition or a foam composition; b) drying the composition in order to allow the formation of a polymer film, c) removing, from the surface, the polymer film including the at least one target microorganism; d) dissolving the polymer film with an aqueous diluent in order to form a solution including the at least one microorganism, e) detecting and/or identifying the at least one target microorganism in all or part of the solution, using at least one detection means.

Abstract: A method for determining in vitro or ex vivo the immune status of an individual, preferably a patient, including a step of detecting and/or quantifying the expression of one or more HERV/MaLR sequences in a biological sample of the individual. Also relates to the tools for implementing the method and to the uses thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to unmasking endotoxins in compositions so that previously present, but undetectable endotoxins are rendered detectable.

Abstract: A separation container for extracting a portion of a sample for use or testing and method for preparing samples for downstream use or testing are provided. The separation container may include a body defining an internal chamber. The body may define an opening, and the body may be configured to receive the sample within the internal chamber. The separation container may further include a seal disposed across the opening, such that the seal may be configured to seal the opening of the body, and a plunger movably disposed at least partially inside the internal chamber. The plunger may be configured to be actuated to open the seal and express the portion of the sample.

Abstract: A method for detecting at least one microorganism that may be present in a sample, comprising the steps of: a) bringing into contact, in a container: a culture medium that enables the growth and/or detection of microorganisms, said sample and a sensitized solid support; b) subjecting the whole to a temperature that promotes the growth and/or detection of microorganisms; and c) observing, in real time, the appearance of an agglutination indicating the presence of the microorganism(s) or confirming said presence when said microorganisms are detected in said culture medium, when step b) has been completed, and a method for detecting and identifying at least one target microorganism that may be present in a sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for in vitro diagnosis or prognosis of testicular cancer which comprises a step of detecting the presence or absence of at least one expression product from at least one nucleic acid sequence selected from the sequences identified in SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 6 or from the sequences which exhibit at least 99% identity with one of the sequences identified in SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 6, to isolated nucleic acid sequences and to the use thereof as a testicular cancer marker.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for transferring specimen containers between detection instruments. The method may include transporting a specimen container in a locator well to a container transfer station in a first automated detection apparatus; sensing the specimen container at the container transfer station using a first sensor; transferring the specimen container from the container transfer station of the first automated microbial detection apparatus to an automated loading mechanism of a second automated microbial detection apparatus; detecting that the specimen container is positioned over the automated loading mechanism of the second automated microbial detection apparatus using a second sensor; and releasing the specimen container onto the automated loading mechanism of the second automated microbial detection apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for hydrating with a liquid sample, the device comprising a container (4) for receiving at least one liquid sample, and a lid (5) possessing a bottom face (51) having at least one hydrating support (3) fastened thereto to present an absorption face (31) for absorbing a liquid sample. According to the invention, the container (4) presents, by means of at least one well (6), a calibrated volume for receiving a liquid sample, the at least said well presenting a hydrating calibrated open section for hydrating a hydrating support (3) defined by the top edge (8) of at least said well (6), the hydrating calibrated open section possessing an area that is less than the area of the absorption face of the hydrating support (3) in order to control the absorption by capillarity of the liquid sample by the hydrating support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the diagnosis/prognosis of a septic syndrome based on a biological sample from a patient, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: a. biological material is extracted from the biological sample, b. the biological material is brought into contact with at least one specific reagent that is selected from specific reagents for the target genes with a nucleic sequence having any one of SEQ ID Nos 1 to 28; c. the expression of at least one of said target genes is determined.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for the diagnosis/prognosis of a septic syndrome based on a biological sample from a patient. The method may include extracting biological material the biological sample, contacting the biological material with at least one specific reagent that is selected from specific reagents for the target genes having a nucleic acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 28, and determining the expression of at least one of the target genes.

Abstract: An airtight connection device capable of receiving at least one product from at least one product discharge pipe and transmitting the product to a storage tank. The device includes a first part including at least one coupling for connecting to the product discharge pipe in an airtight manner; and a second part including a coupling for mounting the device to the storage tank in an airtight manner. The second part is coupled to the first part in an airtight manner and is capable of receiving the product from the first part and discharging the product to the storage tank. The device also includes a position sensor that can be operated during the airtight coupling to the storage tank.

Abstract: A filter medium includes two porous zones arranged in the form of a stack that include (i) a first porous zone, called “prefiltration”, treated with at least one reagent presenting affinity for red blood cells and leading to red blood cells being captured or agglutinated on the prefiltration zone; and (ii) a second porous zone, called “asymmetric”, presenting pore size that decreases transversely to its thickness, the portion of higher pore size being positioned towards the prefiltration zone.