Abstract: A sample holder 100 for use in a device for image-based analysis of multiple samples, the sample holder comprising: an optically flat surface 10; multiple locations of interest 16, 18 dispersed across the optically flat surface 10 that each, in use, correspond to locations of a sample of the multiple samples; and multiple focal structures 12 associated with the multiple locations of interest 16, 18; wherein the focal structures 12 each comprise at least one pyramid shaped indentation 30 in the optically flat surface 10.

Abstract: A method for analysis of a digital image in order to determine a value relating to an amount of a substance shown in the image includes using a threshold to identify all pixels of the digital image above or below a certain intensity value in order to produce a first binary image. Texture filtering is used to identify regions of high texture in the digital image to produce a second binary image in which all regions of high texture are pixels with a first state. The first and second binary images are overlayed to produce a combined binary image. A value relating to the amount of the substance is determined based on the area of the combined binary image with pixels having the first state.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of recovering viable microbial cells from a complex sample, said method comprising: a) providing a sample having a volume of at least 1 ml; b) contacting said sample with a buffer solution and one or more proteases, wherein said buffer solution has a pH of at least pH 6 and less than pH 11, wherein said buffer solution and said one more proteases do not comprise a detergent or a chaotrope, and wherein the buffer solution/protease/sample mixture is non-hypotonic; c) filtering the mixture obtained in step (b) through a filter suitable for retaining microbial cells; and d) recovering the microbial cells retained by the filter in step (c), wherein the recovered microbial cells are viable, and a microbial recovery device for the same.

Abstract: A method for detecting and characterising a microorganism in a clinical sample includes introducing a clinical sample to a first culture vessel and then simultaneously transporting and incubating the clinical sample in a thermally insulated compartment of a sealable container. A test aliquot is removed from the sample and the remainder of the sample is cultured further. The method further includes removing DNA from said test aliquot and performing nucleic acid tests on said DNA to identify the microorganism and to detect the presence or absence of one or more genetic antimicrobial resistance markers in said microorganism.

Abstract: A method for performing a rolling circle amplification (RCA) reaction includes at least two rounds of RCA. The method includes providing a concatemeric first RCA product having a multiplicity of monomer repeats, each repeat representing a complementary copy of a first RCA template, wherein the nucleic acid molecule to be detected and/or analyzed, or its compliment, is contained in the first RCA template. The first RCA product is cleaved into monomer units which are reduced in size compared to the monomer repeat of the first RCA template. Monomer units resulting from the cleavage are circularized to form second RCA templates, which are smaller than the first RCA template. A second RCA reaction is performed on the second RCA template and a primer for the second RCA to form a second RCA product. The second RCA product, or a monomer unit derived from it, is detected or analyzed.

Abstract: A substrate for use in manufacture of a production master plate for production of a detection disc for carrying samples in an apparatus for detection of microscopic objects in a fluid, the substrate having a channel and separate focus structure, wherein the focus structure is a groove.

Abstract: A substrate for use in manufacture of a production master plate for production of a detection disc for carrying samples in an apparatus for detection of microscopic objects in a fluid, the substrate having a channel and separate focus structure, wherein the focus structure is a groove.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for determining the antimicrobial susceptibility of a microorganism in a clinical sample said method comprising removing a test aliquot from a clinical sample culture before the culture reaches 0.5 McFarland units, isolating the microbial cells and transferring the cells into a suitable culture medium for microbial growth, and performing an AST assay using the isolated microbes, wherein the concentration of microbial cells in the microbial cells used to set up the AST assay is measured before the degree of microbial growth in the different growth conditions of the AST assay is measured. Devices for determining the antimicrobial susceptibility of a microorganism in a clinical sample are also provided.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for transport and incubation of a medical sample in a blood culture flask includes a sealable container having a thermally insulated compartment for receiving the blood culture flask and a heater for heating the medical sample to a temperature suitable for pre-culturing of the sample. An agitator is provided for agitating the sample in the blood culture flask.

Abstract: A method for detecting and characterizing a microorganism in a clinical sample includes introducing a clinical sample to a first culture vessel containing the culture medium; removing a test aliquot; separating DNA from the test aliquot; and performing nucleic acid tests on the DNA to identify the microorganism and to detect the presence or absence of one or more genetic antimicrobial resistance markers in the microorganism. If a microorganism is identified, an antimicrobial susceptibility test is performed wherein microbial growth in the antimicrobial susceptibility test is monitored by accessing growth or markers for growth and wherein the type and concentration of antimicrobial agents used in the antimicrobial susceptibility test is determined by the identity of the microorganism and the antimicrobial resistance markers detected. A device for performing the method is also provided.

Abstract: A method for performing a rolling circle amplification (RCA) reaction includes at least two rounds of RCA. The method includes providing a concatemeric first RCA product having a multiplicity of monomer repeats, each repeat representing a complementary copy of a first RCA template, wherein the nucleic acid molecule to be detected and/or analyzed, or its compliment, is contained in the first RCA template. The first RCA product is cleaved into monomer units which are reduced in size compared to the monomer repeat of the first RCA template. Monomer units resulting from the cleavage are circularized to form second RCA templates, which are smaller than the first RCA template. A second RCA reaction is performed on the second RCA template and a primer for the second RCA to form a second RCA product. The second RCA product, or a monomer unit derived from it, is detected or analyzed.

Abstract: A substrate for use in manufacture of a production master plate for production of a detection disc for carrying samples in an apparatus for detection of microscopic objects in a fluid, the substrate having a channel and separate focus structure, wherein the focus structure is a groove.