Abstract: A circular shaped rotor to facilitate automated identification testing of microorganisms in a microbiology analyzer having two circular arrays of microwells downwardly projecting from the top of the rotor connected to a recessed central region by a plurality of microchannels formed in the upper surface and connecting the recessed central portion to the second plurality of microwells; the rotor is further adapted to be rotated by a source of rotational energy and moved throughout the analyzer using troughs formed near its outer diameter.

Abstract: A microbiological test array with a plurality of microwells connected by a microchannel to a solution reservoir. Subsequent to filling the microwells, the microchannels are sealed to protect the integrity of the solution in the test microwells.

Abstract: An elongate canister having a generally rectangular cross-section sized to house a plurality of antibiotic susceptibility test arrays stacked one atop another and maintained secure within an environmentally controlled inventory chamber in a random access microbiological analyzer.

Abstract: Performing antibiotic testing on samples contained in test arrays by orienting the arrays relative to the direction of gravity so that test solution within the microwells is drawn downwards and air within the microwells is forced to the uppermost portion of the test array. Antibiotic testing is conducted using an interrogating beam of radiation passing horizontally through the microwells at locations devoid of air bubbles.

Abstract: A random access microbiological analyzer for performing AST and ID tests on samples using on-board inventories of different AST test arrays and different ID test rotors within separate AST and ID incubation and analysis chambers.

Abstract: Mixing a liquid solution in a container by rotating a pair of bar-shaped magnets in a coordinated pattern in which lines parallel to the axes of the bar-shaped magnets remain normal to one another, the magnets disposed in close proximity to and on opposite sides of the container a distance above the bottom of the container so that a magnetic mixing member is caused to rotate in the liquid about the same distance above the bottom of the container. Relative vertical movement of the magnets and the container generates a vortex-like mixing action throughout the container.

Abstract: In an assay for determination of beta-lactam antibiotic resistance in a target bacterial strain, the strain is grown in the presence of both a beta-lactamese inducing antibiotic and a beta-lactam indicator antibiotic [which kills or inhibits the growth of bacteria] unable to hydrolyze beta-lactam antibiotics. Growth, indicative of drug resistance in the target strain, is monitored by detecting a fluorophor released by the enzymatic cleavage of a metabolizable fluorogenic compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a universal test systems and methods of use thereof for identifying a microorganism among at least two groups of widely divergent microorganisms. The universal test system comprises a predetermined combination of non-redundant biochemical tests comprising a substrate for at least one enzyme wherein the substrate, if acted on by the enzyme results in formation of a detectable product. Detectable products from the combination of biochemical tests are then used to identify the microorganism.

Abstract: A system for processing a specimen to which fluid must be added includes a fluid dispensing work station within a housing. The work station holds the fluids that are to be added to the specimen. A nozzle dispenses fluid at the work station. The system also includes a carrier that moves within the housing. The carrier operates in a first mode at the fluid dispensing work station. The carrier also operates in a second mode outside the work station to perform a different processing function. A coupling mechanism attaches the nozzle to the carrier when the carrier enters its first operational mode to transport the nozzle around the fluid dispensing station. The coupling mechanism releases the nozzle from the carrier when the carrier enters its second operational mode, thereby freeing the carrier for movement outside the work station out of association with the nozzle.

Abstract: A chemical analyzer (10) includes a fluid dispensing system (46) with a carrier member (18) and fluid dispensing head (72). The carrier member (18) includes a docking fixture (52) and the fluid dispensing head includes a docking receptacle (54). By engagement of the docking fixture and receptacle the carrier member carries the fluid dispensing head to a position above a recess (34) into which fluid is precisely dispensed. The carrier member also returns the fluid dispensing head to a storage location (64) substantially separating the fluids to be dispensed from the environment of the analyzer. When the fluid dispensing head is in its storage location the carrier member may disengage to perform other functions in the analyzer.

Abstract: A chemical analyzer (10) includes a fluid dispensing system (46) with a carrier member (18) and fluid dispensing head (72). The carrier member (18) includes a docking fixture (52) and the fluid dispensing head includes a docking-receptacle (54). By engagement of the docking fixture and receptacle the carrier member carries the fluid dispensing head to a position above a recess (34) into which fluid is precisely dispensed. The carrier member also returns the fluid dispensing head to a storage location (64) substantially separating the fluids to be dispensed from the environment of the analyzer. When the fluid dispensing head is in its storage location the carrier member may disengage to perform other functions in the analyzer.

Abstract: A system for processing a specimen to which fluid must be added includes a fluid dispensing work station within a housing. The work station holds the fluids that are to be added to the specimen. A nozzle dispenses fluid at the work station. The system also includes a carrier that moves within the housing. The carrier operates in a first mode at the fluid dispensing work station. The carrier also operates in a second mode outside the work station to perform a different processing function. A coupling mechanism attaches the nozzle to the carrier when the carrier enters its first operational mode to transport the nozzle around the fluid dispensing station. The coupling mechanism releases the nozzle from the carrier when the carrier enters its second operational mode, thereby freeing the carrier for movement outside the work station out of association with the nozzle.