Abstract: A carrier having at least one kinetics and fluorescence enhancing support and a dry substance selected from the group consisting of fluorogenic substrates, B methylumbelliferone, 7-amino-4-methyl coumarin, B-napthylamine, fluoroscein, and resorufin deposited on the support demonstrates substantial enhancement of hydrolysis kinetics and fluorescence over pure liquid systems. When the device has a plurality of supports and the supports have different fluorogenic substrates an enzyme rate-of-reaction profile representative of a microorganism in the suspension can be determined and used to identify the organism. The device can also be used to characterize enzymes expressed by other biological specimens.

Abstract: A non-ionic lytic agent, preferably saponin for reducing the background carbon dioxide produced by blood cell metabolism is used in the testing of cultures for the presence of microorganisms. The hemolytic agent saponin is combined with a phospholipid, preferably L-.alpha.-Lecithin (phosphatidylcholine), to form mixed micelles which protect saponin from the effects of heat sterilization and high blood cholesterol levels, thus maintaining the lytic activity of saponin. The phospholipid/saponin mixed micelles are added to non-radiometric culture media vials such as Bactec.RTM. NR6A, NR7A and NR8A. The media vials are used in the Bactec.RTM. NR-660 and NR-730 instruments. However, the present invention may also be used in radiometric media such as Bactec.RTM. culture vials 6, 7 and 8 for reducing background carbon dioxide levels detected in C.sup.14 radiometric instruments such as the Bactec.RTM.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the detection of the growth of microorganisms through infrared analysis of a sample of the gas produced by growth of the microorganism is descirbed. In the method, a sample of the headspace gas in a vial containing a growth medium which has been inoculated with a sample suspected of containing a microorganism is removed and transferred to a sample cell where infrared analysis is used to determine the presence of carbon dioxide, if any, produced by the growth of the microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for locating a vial in a predetermined location with respect to a needle which is used to penetrate a septum in the vial. The system includes a vial carrier having a well for receiving a vial. A penetrable septum is disposed in an opening in the vial. At least one needle penetrates the septum at periodic intervals. Locating means are provided within the vial carrier for establishing a predetermined location of the vial in relation to the needle. The locating means includes a plurality of contact points and urging means for establishing contact between the contact points and the locating surface. The urging means presses substantially on one side of the vial, which side is substantially opposite the locating means.