Abstract: A rapid screening method for the detection and identification of target microorganisms in a sample which may contain both target microorganisms and competing non-target microorganisms includes the steps of enriching a sample in a mildly selective medium, incubating the sample in the growth medium for a predetermined amount of time, adding at least one inhibitor of the non-target microorganisms to the growth medium to discourage the growth of non-target microorganisms and to encourage the growth of target microorganisms. The method further includes the steps of incubating the sample in the growth medium including at least one inhibitor for a predetermined amount of time, performing biochemical assays specific for the identification of the target microorganisms, and detecting the presence of the target microorganisms in the sample. The invention further provides a system for the rapid detection of microorganisms in a sample.

Abstract: A diagnostic microbiological testing apparatus and method includes at least one test tray including a plurality of reaction chambers, a light source disposed proximate to the test tray for directing light, at an excitation wavelength of a fluorescence emitting agent contained within the reaction chambers, at the test tray, a filter for passing therethrough only light generated by a fluorescence emitting reaction resulting from the interaction of the fluorescence emitting agent and a sample, and an imaging mechanism for detecting only the light generated by the fluorescence emitting reaction at the emission wavelength simultaneously from the plurality of reaction chambers.