Abstract: An analysis instrument includes a cartridge bay for receiving a sample preparation cartridge. The cartridge bay includes a controllable heater for heating a sample; a first temperature sensor for monitoring the temperature of the controllable heater; and a second temperature sensor for monitoring the temperature of the sample.

Abstract: A portable apparatus and method for transport and incubation of a medical sample in a blood culture flask includes a sealable container having a thermally insulated compartment for receiving the blood culture flask and a heater for heating the medical sample to a temperature suitable for pre-culturing of the sample. An agitator is provided for agitating the sample in the blood culture flask.

Abstract: A clinical sample testing system includes a portable apparatus for transport and incubation of a clinical sample in a culture vessel. The apparatus includes a sealable container having a thermally insulated compartment for receiving the vessel and a heater for heating the clinical sample to a temperature suitable for pre-culturing it. The system further includes a microorganism detection device which receives the vessel and cultures the clinical sample. The device includes a) a test aliquot extraction device for removing a test aliquot from the vessel and/or from a second culture vessel sampled therefrom, and a DNA testing device for separating DNA from the test aliquot and performing nucleic acid tests on the DNA to identify the microorganism and detecting genetic antimicrobial resistance markers therein and/or b) an antimicrobial susceptibility test device for performing an antimicrobial susceptibility test on the cultured clinical sample or portion thereof by monitoring microbial growth.

Abstract: An apparatus is for moving a sample holder on a platform from a loading position where the sample holder can be removed from the platform to a locked position where the sample holder is securely held. The sample holder is configured to rest on wheels within a recessed portion on the platform. The apparatus is configured such that: (i) movement of the platform from the loading position to the locked position causes a vertical clamp to lower down on top of the sample holder, and a horizontal clamp to be pressed to an outer periphery of the sample holder; and (ii) movement of the platform from the locked position to the loading position causes the vertical clamp to rise above the sample holder, and the horizontal clamp to be moved away from the outer periphery of the sample holder.

Abstract: An apparatus is for moving a sample holder on a platform from a loading position where the sample holder can be removed from the platform to a locked position where the sample holder is securely held. The sample holder is configured to rest on wheels within a recessed portion on the platform. The apparatus is configured such that: (i) movement of the platform from the loading position to the locked position causes a vertical clamp to lower down on top of the sample holder, and a horizontal clamp to be pressed to an outer periphery of the sample holder; and (ii) movement of the platform from the locked position to the loading position causes the vertical clamp to rise above the sample holder, and the horizontal clamp to be moved away from the outer periphery of the sample holder.

Abstract: A method for detecting and characterising a microorganism in a clinical sample includes introducing the clinical sample to a first culture vessel and simultaneously transporting and incubating the clinical sample in a thermally insulated compartment of a sealable container. A test aliquot is removed from the sample and the remainder of the sample is further cultured. DNA is removed from the test aliquot and nucleic acid tests are performed on it to identify the microorganism and to detect the presence or absence of one or more genetic antimicrobial resistance markers in the microorganism. One or more nucleic acid probes or primers are used to perform the nucleic acid tests. It is detected whether or not the probes or primers have hybridised to DNA or the primers have been extended. If a microorganism is identified, then an antimicrobial susceptibility test is performed on the cultured clinical sample.

Abstract: A portable apparatus and method for transport and incubation of a medical sample in a blood culture flask includes a sealable container having a thermally insulated compartment for receiving the blood culture flask and a heater for heating the medical sample to a temperature suitable for pre-culturing of the sample. An agitator is provided for agitating the sample in the blood culture flask.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a sample holder 110 on a platform 652 from a loading position, where the sample holder 110 can be removed from the platform 652, to a locked position, where the sample holder 110 is securely held, wherein the sample holder 110 rests on wheels 690a within a recessed portion 651 on the platform 652, wherein the apparatus is configured such that movement from the loading position to the locked position causes a vertical clamping means 653 to lower down on top of the sample holder 110, and a horizontal clamping 657 means to be pressed to the outer periphery of the sample holder 110, and such that that movement from the locked position to the loading position causes the vertical clamping means 653 to raise above the sample holder 110, and the horizontal clamping means 657 to be moved away from the outer periphery of the sample holder 110.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for transport and incubation of a medical sample in a blood culture flask includes a sealable container having a thermally insulated compartment for receiving the blood culture flask and a heater for heating the medical sample to a temperature suitable for pre-culturing of the sample. An agitator is provided for agitating the sample in the blood culture flask.

Abstract: A method for detecting and characterising a microorganism in a clinical sample includes introducing a clinical sample to a first culture vessel and then simultaneously transporting and incubating the clinical sample in a thermally insulated compartment of a sealable container. A test aliquot is removed from the sample and the remainder of the sample is cultured further. The method further includes removing DNA from said test aliquot and performing nucleic acid tests on said DNA to identify the microorganism and to detect the presence or absence of one or more genetic antimicrobial resistance markers in said microorganism.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for transport and incubation of a medical sample in a blood culture flask includes a sealable container having a thermally insulated compartment for receiving the blood culture flask and a heater for heating the medical sample to a temperature suitable for pre-culturing of the sample. An agitator is provided for agitating the sample in the blood culture flask.