Abstract: The present invention is directed to sample test cards having an increased sample well capacity for analyzing biological or other test samples. In one embodiment, the sample test cards of the present invention comprise one or more fluid over-flow reservoirs, wherein the over-flow reservoirs are operatively connected to a distribution channel by a fluid over-flow channel. In another embodiment, the sample test cards may comprise a plurality of flow reservoirs operable to trap air thereby reducing and/or preventing well-to-well contamination. The test card of this invention may comprise from 80 to 140 individual sample wells, for example, in a test card sample test cards of the present invention have a generally rectangular shape sample test card having dimensions of from about 90 to about 95 mm in width, from about 55 to about 60 mm in height and from about 4 to about 5 mm in thickness.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to sample test cards having an increased sample well capacity for analyzing biological or other test samples. In one embodiment, the sample test cards of the present invention comprise one or more fluid over-flow reservoirs, wherein the over-flow reservoirs are operatively connected to a distribution channel by a fluid over-flow channel. In another embodiment, the sample test cards may comprise a plurality of flow reservoirs operable to trap air thereby reducing and/or preventing well-to-well contamination. The test card of this invention may comprise from 80 to 140 individual sample wells, for example, in a test card sample test cards of the present invention have a generally rectangular shape sample test card having dimensions of from about 90 to about 95 mm in width, from about 55 to about 60 mm in height and from about 4 to about 5 mm in thickness.

Abstract: A system for mixing solutions includes: a first container and at least one second container capable of containing solutions, each second container being capable of entirely containing the first container; means for displacing the first container and/or each second container capable of entirely immersing the first container in each second container; and rotational drive means for the first container so as to mix the solutions present in the first and second containers when the first container is entirely immersed in the solution present in the second container.

Abstract: A method for detecting at least one microorganism that may be present in a sample, comprising the steps of: a) bringing into contact, in a container: a culture medium that enables the growth and/or detection of microorganisms, said sample and a sensitized solid support; b) subjecting the whole to a temperature that promotes the growth and/or detection of microorganisms; and c) observing, in real time, the appearance of an agglutination indicating the presence of the microorganism(s) or confirming said presence when said microorganisms are detected in said culture medium, when step b) has been completed, and a method for detecting and identifying at least one target microorganism that may be present in a sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for hydrating with a liquid sample, the device comprising a container (4) for receiving at least one liquid sample, and a lid (5) possessing a bottom face (51) having at least one hydrating support (3) fastened thereto to present an absorption face (31) for absorbing a liquid sample. According to the invention, the container (4) presents, by means of at least one well (6), a calibrated volume for receiving a liquid sample, the at least said well presenting a hydrating calibrated open section for hydrating a hydrating support (3) defined by the top edge (8) of at least said well (6), the hydrating calibrated open section possessing an area that is less than the area of the absorption face of the hydrating support (3) in order to control the absorption by capillarity of the liquid sample by the hydrating support.

Abstract: A process of detecting at least one microorganism present in a sample placed in a closed container. The process includes: a) placing said sample in contact in the container with a culture medium, a revealing system capable of allowing the detection, and a support capable of capturing the microorganism(s) to be detected, the support comprising magnetic particles, b) closing the container, c) placing the container under conditions capable of allowing growth of the microorganism(s), d) applying a magnetic field to the magnetic particles for bringing together the magnetic particles, and e) detecting in real-time inside the closed container, using a detection means, the presence of the microorganism(s) fixed onto the capture support.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of analysis for example biological analysis. More specifically, the present invention relates to a process of detecting at least one microorganism present in a sample placed in a closed container, said method comprising essentially the following steps: a) Place said sample in contact in the container with at least one culture medium and a support capable of capturing the microorganism(s) to be detected, b) Close the container, c) Place the container under conditions capable of allowing the growth of the microorganism(s), d) Detect, inside said closed container, using detection means, the presence of the microorganism(s) fixed onto the capture support.

Abstract: A method and system incorporating a process for analyzing a sample to be tested to determine the presence of or to quantify an analyte in the sample. The process employs a reaction which produces a reaction medium derived from the sample that possesses fluorescence properties, in response to illumination by a light source. The process includes illuminating the sample and detecting a fluorescent signal, introducing the reaction medium, and illuminating the sample and detecting a second fluorescent signal from the sample. The process further includes processing the two signals to determine which portion of the fluorescent signal is produced solely by the reaction medium.

Abstract: A method of processing at least one biological sample capable of containing at least one target microorganism, the method being carried out within a container and including: (a) performing at least one step of homogenizing the biological sample, during which contents of the container are displaced from a level n, corresponding to a level of the contents at rest, to a homogenization level nh, distinct from the level n, and vice versa; and (b) generating a displacement of the contents to a level n+1, which is different from levels n and nh, such that the contents come into contact with at least one culture, at least one analysis device, or a combination thereof, positioned in a chamber of the container, between level n+1 inclusive and level nh exclusive, wherein step b) takes place before, after or during all or part of the homogenization step a).

Abstract: An end fitting capable of being fitted to the body of a manual or automated device for sampling a biological substance of microbial origin, including: a) a distal end including a means for sampling the biological substance of microbial origin, b) a proximal free end intended to come into contact with the body of the sampling device and to enable the attachment of the end fitting to said body, the end fitting being characterized in that all or some of the free distal end consists of a fibrous material having a porosity at least equal to 30%.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to sample test cards having an increased sample well capacity for analyzing biological or other test samples. In one embodiment, the sample test cards of the present invention comprise one or more fluid over-flow reservoirs, wherein the over-flow reservoirs are operatively connected to a distribution channel by a fluid over-flow channel. In another embodiment, the sample test cards may comprise a plurality of flow reservoirs operable to trap air thereby reducing and/or preventing well-to-well contamination. The test card of this invention may comprise from 80 to 140 individual sample wells, for example, in a test card sample test cards of the present invention have a generally rectangular shape sample test card having dimensions of from about 90 to about 95 mm in width, from about 55 to about 60 mm in height and from about 4 to about 5 mm in thickness.

Abstract: A device including an applicator capable of dispensing a suspension of microorganisms on a culture medium and to the use of the device for dispensing the suspension of microorganisms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for hydrating with a liquid sample, the device comprising a container (4) for receiving at least one liquid sample, and a lid (5) possessing a bottom face (51) having at least one hydrating support (3) fastened thereto to present an absorption face (31) for absorbing a liquid sample. According to the invention, the container (4) presents, by means of at least one well (6), a calibrated volume for receiving a liquid sample, the at least said well presenting a hydrating calibrated open section for hydrating a hydrating support (3) defined by the top edge (8) of at least said well (6), the hydrating calibrated open section possessing an area that is less than the area of the absorption face of the hydrating support (3) in order to control the absorption by capillarity of the liquid sample by the hydrating support.

Abstract: A method and system incorporating a process for analyzing a sample to be tested to determine the presence of or to quantify an analyte in the sample. The process employs a reaction which produces a reaction medium derived from the sample that possesses fluorescence properties, in response to illumination by a light source. The process includes illuminating the sample and detecting a fluorescent signal, introducing the reaction medium, and illuminating the sample and detecting a second fluorescent signal from the sample. The process further includes processing the two signals to determine which portion of the fluorescent signal is produced solely by the reaction medium.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to sample test cards having an increased sample well capacity for analyzing biological or other test samples. In one embodiment, the sample test cards of the present invention comprise one or more fluid over-flow reservoirs, wherein the over-flow reservoirs are operatively connected to a distribution channel by a fluid over-flow channel. In another embodiment, the sample test cards may comprise a plurality of flow reservoirs operable to trap air thereby reducing and/or preventing well-to-well contamination. The test card of this invention may comprise from 80 to 140 individual sample wells, for example, in a test card sample test cards of the present invention have a generally rectangular shape sample test card having dimensions of from about 90 to about 95 mm in width, from about 55 to about 60 in height and from about 4 to about 5 mm in thickness.

Abstract: A system for mixing solutions includes: a first container and at least one second container capable of containing solutions, each second container being capable of entirely containing the first container; means for displacing the first container and/or each second container capable of entirely immersing the first container in each second container; and rotational drive means for the first container so as to mix the solutions present in the first and second containers when the first container is entirely immersed in the solution present in the second container.

Abstract: A method of analyzing a sample to be tested to determine the presence of or to quantify an analyte in the sample, employing a reaction which produces a reaction medium derived from the sample and which possesses fluorescence properties, the reaction medium being located within a well, the reaction medium and the well forming an analysis assembly which possesses fluorescent properties in response to illumination by a light source producing a light signal, the light source being movable along a surface S1 of the well.

Abstract: The aim of the present invention is a method of sampling all or part of a sample (11) of biological matter (7), which is crude, enriched or cultured through contact with a culture medium (8), such as agar, for example in a Petri dish, using a probe (3) equipped with a terminal end (4), said sampling method comprising the steps of cooling the terminal end (4) of the probe (3), sticking all or part of the sample (11) of biological matter (7) to be sampled through contact, or by applying a pressure exerted by the terminal end (4) onto the sample (11) of biological matter (7), and sampling of all or part of the sample (11) of biological matter (7) so as to separate the sample (11) of biological matter (7) from the culture medium (8), a method of depositing into a container (9) or onto an analysis plate (14) all or part of a sample (11) of biological matter (7) stuck onto a frosted terminal end (4) of a probe, said depositing method including a step of separating the terminal end (4) of the probe (3) from all or p

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for isolating at least one fluid sample well laid out in a test card for analyses, said test card including a plate (3) having at least one first main face from which is laid out at least one channel communicating with at least said well, this first face being coated with a membrane (17) provided with an adhesive (18) and which will cover said channel with a covering area (171), the method for isolation including a phase for introducing a fluid sample into at least said well and a phase for isolating said well consisting of exerting a force on at least one portion of the covering area (171) of the adhesive membrane (17) for ensuring displacement of the adhesive into an obturation area for the sample well.

Abstract: A device designed to receive a biological sample and methods of using the same are disclosed. The device includes a leak-proof container, a sampler, and a receptacle. The container includes an enclosure, a filler and a closing mechanism that hermetically closes the filler. The sampler is positioned inside the enclosure. The sampler samples biological and/or physiochemical information from a sample and analyzes the information. The receptacle includes a disinfecting agent that is released when the receptacle is opened. An analysis restrictor inhibits analysis by the sampler. A portion of the sampler and/or the analysis restrictor is designed to shift from a first position that prevents analysis of the sampler to a second position that allows analysis of the sampler. A receptacle opening is mechanically induced when shifting from the first position to the second position.