Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide, for example, a system and method for automatically adjusting the inoculum level of a sample. Certain embodiments of the present invention may measure a concentration of particles present in a preliminary sample using a sensor device and determine an amount of diluent to be added to or removed from a sample container to prepare a sample having a selected concentration of particles, corresponding to a selected inoculum level. Embodiments of the present invention may also automatically add or remove the diluent using an automated fluidics system so as to prepare a sample having the selected particle concentration. Once the selected particle concentration is achieved and verified, some embodiments may also remove at least a portion of the sample from the sample container such that the container contains a selected volume of the sample.

Abstract: A pierceable cap may be used for containing sample specimens during storage and transport. The pierceable cap may prevent unwanted escape of sample specimen before transfer with a transfer device. The pierceable cap may fit over a vessel. An access port in the pierceable cap may allow passage of a tip of a transfer device though the pierceable cap. A frangible layer may be disposed across the access port. One or more extensions proximate to the frangible layer may be coupled to the pierceable cap by coupling regions or other similar devices. The one or more extension may rotate around the one or more coupling regions during insertion of the transfer device. The movement of the one or more extensions may pierce the frangible layer to create airways and allow air to escape from a vessel at a reduced velocity.

Abstract: A pierceable cap maybe used for containing sample specimens during storage and transport. The pierceable cap may prevent unwanted escape of sample specimen before transfer with a transfer device. The pierceable cap may fit over a vessel. An access port in the pierceable cap may allow passage of a tip of a transfer device though the pierceable cap. Multiple frangible layers maybe disposed across the access port. One or more extensions proximate to a lower frangible layer may rotate around one or more coupling regions during insertion of the transfer device. The movement of the one or more extensions may pierce the lower frangible layer to create airways and allow air to escape from a vessel at a reduced velocity. Upper frangible layers may prevent escape of materials from spaces intermediate between the lower frangible layer and the upper frangible layers.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide, for example, a system and method for automatically adjusting the inoculum level of a sample. Certain embodiments of the present invention may measure a concentration of particles present in a preliminary sample using a sensor device and determine an amount of diluent to be added to or removed from a sample container to prepare a sample having a selected concentration of particles, corresponding to a selected inoculum level. Embodiments of the present invention may also automatically add or remove the diluent using an automated fluidics system so as to prepare a sample having the selected particle concentration. Once the selected particle concentration is achieved and verified, some embodiments may also remove at least a portion of the sample from the sample container such that the container contains a selected volume of the sample.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide, for example, a system and method for automatically adjusting the inoculum level of a sample. Certain embodiments of the present invention may measure a concentration of particles present in a preliminary sample using a sensor device and determine an amount of diluent to be added to or removed from a sample container to prepare a sample having a selected concentration of particles, corresponding to a selected inoculum level. Embodiments of the present invention may also automatically add or remove the diluent using an automated fluidics system so as to prepare a sample having the selected particle concentration. Once the selected particle concentration is achieved and verified, some embodiments may also remove at least a portion of the sample from the sample container such that the container contains a selected volume of the sample.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide, for example, a system and method for automatically adjusting the inoculum level of a sample. Certain embodiments of the present invention may measure a concentration of particles present in a preliminary sample using a sensor device and determine an amount of diluent to be added to or removed from a sample container to prepare a sample having a selected concentration of particles, corresponding to a selected inoculum level. Embodiments of the present invention may also automatically add or remove the diluent using an automated fluidics system so as to prepare a sample having the selected particle concentration. Once the selected particle concentration is achieved and verified, some embodiments may also remove at least a portion of the sample from the sample container such that the container contains a selected volume of the sample.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide, for example, a system and method for automatically adjusting the inoculum level of a sample. Certain embodiments of the present invention may measure a concentration of particles present in a preliminary sample using a sensor device and determine an amount of diluent to be added to or removed from a sample container to prepare a sample having a selected concentration of particles, corresponding to a selected inoculum level. Embodiments of the present invention may also automatically add or remove the diluent using an automated fluidics system so as to prepare a sample having the selected particle concentration. Once the selected particle concentration is achieved and verified, some embodiments may also remove at least a portion of the sample from the sample container such that the container contains a selected volume of the sample.

Abstract: A pierceable cap may be used for containing sample specimens during storage and transport. The pierceable cap may prevent unwanted escape of sample specimen before transfer with a transfer device. The pierceable cap may fit over a vessel. An access port in the pierceable cap may allow passage of a tip of a transfer device though the pierceable cap. A frangible layer may be disposed across the access port. One or more extensions proximate to the frangible layer may be coupled to the pierceable cap by coupling regions or other similar devices. The one or more extension may rotate around the one or more coupling regions during insertion of the transfer device. The movement of the one or more extensions may pierce the frangible layer to create airways and allow air to escape from a vessel at a reduced velocity.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide, for example, a system and method for automatically adjusting the inoculum level of a sample. Certain embodiments of the present invention may measure a concentration of particles present in a preliminary sample using a sensor device and determine an amount of diluent to be added to or removed from a sample container to prepare a sample having a selected concentration of particles, corresponding to a selected inoculum level. Embodiments of the present invention may also automatically add or remove the diluent using an automated fluidics system so as to prepare a sample having the selected particle concentration. Once the selected particle concentration is achieved and verified, some embodiments may also remove at least a portion of the sample from the sample container such that the container contains a selected volume of the sample.