Abstract: Single dye fluorescent staining (with a membrane—associated dye such as FM 1-43 or FM 4 -64) and the combination of differences in both intensity and spectral emission discriminate live from inactivated/dead bacteria and provides for rapid and accurate detection of live bacteria in mixed populations.

Abstract: Single dye fluorescent staining (with a membrane-associated dye such as FM 1-43 or FM 4-64) and the combination of differences in both intensity and spectral emission discriminate live from inactivated/dead bacteria and provides for rapid and accurate detection of live bacteria in mixed populations.

Abstract: Single dye fluorescent staining (with a membrane—associated dye such as FM 1-43 or FM 4 -64) and the combination of differences in both intensity and spectral emission discriminate live from inactivated/dead bacteria and provides for rapid and accurate detection of live bacteria in mixed populations.

Abstract: A system for detecting microbial cells in a sample includes an apparatus configured to image at least one cell in the sample, and a cooling device. The apparatus includes a holder having an internal portion and an external portion which are configured so as to secure a membrane between the portions, and an imaging device disposed above the external portion and configured to permit examination of the at least one cell. The apparatus further includes a stage attachable to a stage platform configured to connect to a motor, and a projecting member projecting from an upper surface of the stage and configured to receive and exchange solution. The cooling device includes a thermoelectric cooling element and/or at least one tube configured to circulate a cooling medium beneath the stage so as to cool the sample.