Abstract: The present invention provides a portable self-contained device for the detection of microorganisms in a sample of a liquid, semi-liquid or solid test material. Within a single hermetically sealable vessel are a combined sampling and assay assembly, with means for withdrawal of a sample from a material to be tested, and means for applying the withdrawn sample or portions thereof to the assay assembly. The combined sampling and assay assembly includes a carrier member having a head portion with a cap for sealing the vessel, a main body portion having at least one surface that bears a culture medium, and a tip portion. A slide on the carrier member is reciprocal between the head portion and the tip, comprising a resilient sleeve with at least one applicator tongue being resiliently biased into contact with the culture medium.

Abstract: A device is provided for detecting the presence of a microorganism in a liquid sample or on a solid surface that includes a cover member which is open at least at one end thereof; a support member accommodated within the cover member capable of carrying a microorganism culture medium on one or both opposite faces thereof, which support member is movable into and out from the cover member; a handle for moving the support member into and out from the cover member; and optionally having a sampling member. A combined method for detecting the presence and extent of microbial contamination in a liquid sample and inoculation of micro-organisms by employing the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Sedimentation classification of particulate material in liquid dispersion. The dispersion is centrifuged in a tubular vessel comprising at least two neighboring compartments communicating via at least one opening which may be capillary. The lowermost compartment has a sealed bottom and the uppermost has an open upper end. Upon completion of the centrifugation a liquid fraction with dispersed particulate material is decanted from the uppermost compartment. Useful products may also be recovered from other compartments.