Abstract: An improved system, method and interface for automated rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) is disclosed which includes, in one aspect, a carrier population station comprising a workstation having a graphic user interface (GUI). The GUI accepts information from a lab technologist, including information related to a scope of testing to be performed on a patient sample. The GUI controls intelligent assignment of patient samples to test panels in a manner that maximize utilization of the test carrier by grouping together samples of similar tests scopes and advantageously testing those samples using one multiplexed test panel. Customizing workflow in accordance with test scope to facilitate parallel processing of multiple samples advantageously reduces laboratory waste, decreases test latencies, increases AST system throughput and efficiency, and thus lowers the costs to the AST lab.

Abstract: Phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), the gold-standard diagnostic that indicates whether an antimicrobial will be clinically effective, often suffer the slowest times-to-result for the most resistant pathogens. Here we introduce novel assays to be performed in parallel with standard AST assays that provide additional resistance information and enable rapid, same-shift reporting of AST results for a plurality of pathogens.

Abstract: Phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), the gold-standard diagnostic that indicates whether an antimicrobial will be clinically effective, often suffer the slowest times-to-result for the most resistant pathogens. Here we introduce novel assays to be performed in parallel with standard AST assays that enable rapid, same-shift reporting of AST results for a plurality of pathogens. The assays developed here are further capable of detecting resistance to carbapenems, the most powerful class of beta-lactams commonly used as “last-resort” antimicrobials.

Abstract: In some aspects, automated rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing systems for performing a multi-assay testing sequence can include an automated incubation assembly having a nest assembly adapted to house at least one test panel having a plurality of wells for receiving a sample comprising microorganisms originating from a clinical sample, the incubation assembly facilitating incubation of one or more test panels in order to undergo the multi-assay testing sequence; a robotic handling assembly configured to accept one or more incoming test panels and move them to and from the incubation assembly for incubation between each assay of the multi-assay testing sequence; an automated liquid handling assembly configured to exchange one or more fluids in the plurality of wells of the test panels; and an optical assembly for interrogation and readout of each assay of the multi-assay testing sequence being performed in the plurality of wells.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to devices, systems, and methods for sample tube processing and more specifically to antimicrobial susceptibility testing, including automated systems capable of separating viable microbes from positive blood cultures. In an aspect, a sample tube may include a container comprising an open first end, a closed second end, and a tubular wall extending substantially along a longitudinal axis of the container. A protrusion may extend radially from an external surface of the tubular wall. A cap may be reversibly coupled to the first end of the container. The cap may include an interface ring having a top side, an underside, and a central axis therethrough. A skirt portion may extend from the underside substantially parallel with the central axis. A sealing wall may extend from the underside. A channel may be between the skirt portion and the sealing wall configured to reversibly accept the tubular wall.

Abstract: Systems and methods for antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) are provided in which variances in anionic charge of microbes are taken into account. Cationic surfactants may be used to sensitize otherwise resistant microorganisms to polycationic antibiotics, such as polymyxins. Since microorganisms gain polycationic antibiotic resistance through mutations that decrease surface anionic charge, the susceptibility of a microorganism to a polycationic antibiotic may be indicative of its surface charge. In order to enable electrostatic interactions with the microorganism surface, a cationic surfactant may be applied to increase the anionic charge of the microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, cartridges for multiplexed antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), single cartridges useful for both AST and quality control of AST, and systems and methods relating thereto.

Abstract: Systems and methods for microbe identification (ID) in the context of phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST). Approaches for rapidly identifying polymicrobial samples are introduced that following perform one or more ID methods, such as matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF), PCR, or DNA hybridization, following sample incubation in two or more different media, including at least one selective media. Parallel ID and AST workflows are provided that may reduce the time from sample to AST result.

Abstract: Carriers are provided for microbiological laboratory use, as are methods for their use. The carriers may be used to transport patient samples between laboratory stations and can be loaded into automated AST systems. In an aspect, a method of performing AST may include loading a tube comprising a patient sample onto a carrier. An AST panel may be loaded onto the carrier. The carrier may be conveyed to an automated inoculation assembly. The patient sample may be inoculated from the tube into the AST panel. The AST panel may be loaded into an automated AST system.

Abstract: An improved system, method and interface for automated rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) is disclosed which includes, in one aspect, a carrier population station comprising a workstation having a graphic user interface (GUI). The GUI accepts information from a lab technologist, including information related to a scope of testing to be performed on a microorganism containing sample. The GUI controls intelligent assignment of microorganism containing samples to test panels in a manner that maximize utilization of the test carrier by grouping together samples of similar tests scopes and advantageously testing those samples using one multiplexed test panel. Customizing workflow in accordance with test scope to facilitate parallel processing of multiple samples advantageously reduces laboratory waste, decreases test latencies, increases AST system throughput and efficiency, and thus lowers the costs to the AST lab.

Abstract: Phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), the gold-standard diagnostic that indicates whether an antimicrobial will be clinically effective, often suffer the slowest times-to-result for the most resistant pathogens. Here we introduce novel assays to be performed in parallel with standard AST assays that enable rapid, same-shift reporting of AST results for a plurality of pathogens. The assays developed here are further capable of detecting resistance to carbapenems, the most powerful class of beta-lactams commonly used as “last-resort” antimicrobials.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in part, to methods and kits for rapidly determining antimicrobial susceptibility of microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in part, to methods and kits for rapidly determining antimicrobial susceptibility of microorganisms.

Abstract: In some aspects, automated rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing systems for performing a multi-assay testing sequence can include an automated incubation assembly having a nest assembly adapted to house at least one test panel having a plurality of wells for receiving a sample comprising microorganisms originating from a clinical sample, the incubation assembly facilitating incubation of one or more test panels in order to undergo the multi-assay testing sequence; a robotic handling assembly configured to accept one or more incoming test panels and move them to and from the incubation assembly for incubation between each assay of the multi-assay testing sequence; an automated liquid handling assembly configured to exchange one or more fluids in the plurality of wells of the test panels; and an optical assembly for interrogation and readout of each assay of the multi-assay testing sequence being performed in the plurality of wells.

Abstract: Among other things, the present invention provides assay methods for detecting or quantifying one or more analytes in a sample, which involve the use of dissociable nanoparticles that comprise one or more signaling agents (e.g., the nanoparticles conceal or partially conceal the signaling agents).

Abstract: The present invention relates, in part, to methods and kits for rapidly determining antimicrobial susceptibility of microorganisms.