Abstract: A collection system including a storage tray and a swab positioned in the storage tray, wherein the swab is configured to collect a sample comprising one or more microorganisms. The system further includes a generally elongate storage device positioned in the tray. The storage device is configured to contain a culture medium therein and configured to receive therein at least part of the one or more microorganisms collected by the swab. The storage tray includes a first recess configured to receive the storage device in a longitudinal configuration, and a second recess configured to receive the storage device in an axial configuration oriented generally perpendicular to the longitudinal configuration.

Abstract: A selective agent comprising a triclosan derivative for use in selective inhibition of non-target cells in a mixed population of target and non-target cells. Preferably the triclosan derivative is a glycoside derivative, more preferably a pyranoside derivative. Suitably a selective medium comprising said selective agent and methods of culturing cells using the selective agent are provided.

Abstract: A medium for the growth of vancomycin-resistant Enterococci comprising:— (i) a nutrient medium with an energy source effective to support growth and reproduction of vancomycin-resistant Enterococci; (ii) an effective amount of one or more selective agents to inhibit the growth of microorganisms other than vancomycin-resistant Enterococci; (iii) a Krebs cycle intermediate.

Abstract: A selective agent comprising a triclosan derivative for use in selective inhibition of non-target cells in a mixed population of target and non-target cells. Preferably the triclosan derivative is a glycoside derivative, more preferably a pyranoside derivative. Suitably a selective medium comprising said selective agent and methods of culturing cells using the selective agent are provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems for identification of microorganisms either after isolation from a culture or directly from a sample. The methods and systems are configured to identify microorganisms based on the characterization of proteins of the microorganisms via high-resolution/mass accuracy single-stage (MS) or multi-stage (MSn) mass spectrometry. Included herein are also discussion of targeted detection and evaluation of virulence factors, antibiotic resistance markers, antibiotic susceptibility markers, typing, or other characteristics using a method applicable to substantially all microorganisms and high-resolution/mass accuracy single-stage (MS) or multi-stage (MSn) mass spectrometry.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of selectively inhibiting growth of non-target cells in a mixed population of target and non-target cells, the method comprising the steps of: (a) contacting the mixed population with a selective agent which comprises a carrier moiety linked by a scissile linkage to a toxic moiety; wherein the selective agent is able to enter non-target cells in which the scissile linkage is cleaved, releasing the toxic moiety to exert a toxic effect on the non-target cells causing inhibition of the growth of the non-target cells, whereas the selective agent is unable to enter target cells and/or the scissile linkage is not cleaved in target cells and/or toxic moiety, if released from the selective agent, does not exert a toxic effect on the target cell; and (b) culturing the cells in conditions which allow for growth of non-inhibited cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of selectively inhibiting for growth of non-target cells in a mixed population of target and non-target cells, the method comprising the steps of: (a) contacting the mixed population with a selective agent which comprises a carrier moiety linked by a scissile linkage to a toxic moiety; wherein the selective agent is able to enter non-target cells in which the scissile linkage is cleaved, releasing the toxic moiety to exert a toxic effect on the non-target cells causing inhibition of the growth of the non-target cells, whereas the selective agent is unable to enter target cells and/or the scissile linkage is not cleaved in target cells and/or toxic moiety, if released from the selective agent, does not exert a toxic effect on the target cell; and (b) culturing the cells in conditions which allow for growth of non-inhibited cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of selectively inhibiting for growth of non-target cells in a mixed population of target and non-target cells, the method comprising the steps of: (a) contacting the mixed population with a selective agent which comprises a carrier moiety linked by a scissile linkage to a toxic moiety; wherein the selective agent is able to enter non-target cells in which the scissile linkage is cleaved, releasing the toxic moiety to exert a toxic effect on the non-target cells causing inhibition of the growth of the non-target cells, whereas the selective agent is unable to enter target cells and/or the scissile linkage is not cleaved in target cells and/or toxic moiety, if released from the selective agent, does not exert a toxic effect on the target cell; and (b) culturing the cells in conditions which allow for growth of non-inhibited cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medium for the detection and/or identification of a Candida yeast, the medium comprising: a chromogen; carbohydrate in the range 1-5 gms/liter; and an alcohol; the medium being such that growth of the Candida yeast under appropriate conditions results in hydrolysis of the chromogen to generate a chromophore of a derived color which is a different color from that generated by hydrolysis of the chromogen in a standard medium.

Abstract: An image analysis system for automated reading of printed multi-character codes, for example on antibiotic susceptibility testing disks, makes use of an orientation means, for example an underline printed beneath the code, to bring the code or its image into canonical alignment with an optimum reading direction for the code. Automated reading of the codes on randomly-orientated AST disks is therefore possible.

Abstract: Image acquisition apparatus is used to obtain images of contents of containers for use in, for example, antibiotic susceptibility testing. The apparatus has image capture means, such as a scanner (6) for obtaining images of the contents of the containers which are supported on receiving means (1) for receiving the containers and positioning them within the field of view of the scanner (6). In addition, light deflecting means, such as reflectors, are provided for defecting light from identification markings on the sides of the containers into the scanner (6) to enable the latter also to obtain an image of said markings, and thus to enable the apparatus to identify each container.

Abstract: Disclosed is an isolated compound having the structure shown in FIG. 2, wherein n is an integer between 3 and 10 (inclusive) and X may be H, OH, alkyl, aryl, amyl, or an amino acid residue (optionally substituted) or a sugar residue (optionally substituted), and wherein R and R1 are hydrophobic hydrocarbon or fatty acid chains (R may be the same as R1 or different), a method of preparing compositions comprising the compound, and a diagnostic method comprising use of the composition.

Abstract: An assay device for testing for the presence of an analyte in a sample liquid supported on a test surface, the device comprising a test stick having a handle portion to be held by a person performing the test and a mixing portion to contact the sample liquid, the mixing portion bearing a dried, pre-dosed reagent for the test, the dried reagent being reconstituted by contact of the mixing portion of the test stick with the sample liquid, and wherein the mixing portion is configured to provide a mixing surface to mix the reconstituted reagent with the sample liquid on the test surface.

Abstract: Monitoring apparatus comprises a support device for receiving a plurality of items to be monitored in an array, each item having a unique machine-readable identifying reference associated therewith, the arrangement being such that the items are movable to different positions in the array; a sensor device for intermittently and repeatedly monitoring each item in the array to monitor changes in a variable associated with each item and to read the reference associated with each item; device for supplying data to the monitored variable and machine-readable reference of each item to a computer, wherein the computer relates the monitored variable to the reference to each item independently of the position of the item in the array.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the growth of microorganisms in liquid culture involving the detection of pressure change in a gas-tight container such as a blood culture bottle incorporating a flexible diaphragm (septum) by detecting displacement of the septum, is characterised by the position or conformation of the diaphragm being repeatedly sensed using a distance-measuring means, such as a laser, preferably capable of detecting a variation in the position or conformation of the diaphragm to an accuracy of 200.mu. or better, with a portion of the container adjacent the diaphragm conveniently being used as a reference to detect any relative positional or conformational change of the diaphragm. Preferably the laser repeatedly scans a plurality of containers mounted in a holder such as a flat bed or a carousel.

Abstract: A gas-tight container incorporates a flexible diaphragm made of chlor-butyl rubber. The container finds particular use in systems for monitoring growth of microorganisms.

Abstract: A method of testing for the growth of bacteria in a sample comprises introducing the sample into a sterile bacterial growth medium in a closed vessel incubating the vessel, and observing a pressure change within the vessel which indicates the growth of bacteria in the sample. A device for doing this comprises a bottle 10 with a pierceable closure 12; and a syringe comprising a cylinder 16 and a piston 18 connected to a hypodermic needle 20 which passes through the closure 12 and preferably extends below the surface of the growth medium in the bottle.

Abstract: The grouping of a sample of a streptococcus is identified by treating the sample with achromopeptidase prior to contacting the sample with a group-specific antibody bound to minute, insoluble carrier particles. A positive identification is indicated by agglutination of the carrier particles.