Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods for concentrating microorganisms with concentration agents in a sampling device and the sampling device described herein. More specifically, methods for concentrating microorganisms from large volume samples with concentration agents in a sampling device can provide for rapid, low cost, simple (involving no complex equipment or procedures), and/or effective processes under a variety of conditions.

Abstract: Methods of detecting microorganisms in a fluid sample are provided. The method includes providing a nonwoven article, providing a fluid sample suspected of containing at least one microorganism strain or target cellular analyte, and contacting the fluid sample with the nonwoven article such that at least a portion of the at least one microorganism strain or target cellular analyte is bound to the nonwoven article. The nonwoven article includes a fibrous porous matrix and a concentration agent particles enmeshed in the fibrous porous matrix. The method further includes placing the microorganism strain- or target cellular analyte-bound nonwoven article in contact with at least one detection reagent and detecting the presence of the bound microorganism strain or bound target cellular analyte. Devices and kits containing the devices, for contacting a fluid sample with a nonwoven article, are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods for concentrating microorganisms with concentration agents in a sampling device and the sampling device described herein. More specifically, methods for concentrating microorganisms from large volume samples with concentration agents in a sampling device can provide for rapid, low cost, simple (involving no complex equipment or procedures), and/or effective processes under a variety of conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to concentrate cells onto microparticles, to concentrate the microparticles, and to detect the cells. The present invention also includes unitary sample preparation and detection devices to be used in accordance with the methods.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods for concentrating microorganisms with concentration agents in a sampling device and the sampling device described herein. More specifically, methods for concentrating microorganisms from large volume samples with concentration agents in a sampling device can provide for rapid, low cost, simple (involving no complex equipment or procedures), and/or effective processes under a variety of conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to concentrate cells onto microparticles, to concentrate the microparticles, and to detect the cells. The present invention also includes unitary sample preparation and detection devices to be used in accordance with the methods.

Abstract: A microbial detection article and methods of using the same, the article comprising: a base member comprising a self-supporting water impervious substrate with first and second generally opposed major surfaces; a filter assembly defining a filter assembly aperture therein, and having a composite filter body mounted across the filter assembly aperture; wherein the composite filter body comprises: a microporous membrane, and a water-absorbent layer in fluid communication with the microporous membrane; and a cover sheet.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to concentrate cells onto microparticles, to concentrate the microparticles, and to detect the cells. The present invention also includes unitary sample preparation and detection devices to be used in accordance with the methods.

Abstract: A microbial detection article and methods of using the same, the article comprising: a base member comprising a self-supporting water impervious substrate with first and second generally opposed major surfaces; a filter assembly defining a filter assembly aperture therein, and having a composite filter body mounted across the filter assembly aperture; wherein the composite filter body comprises: a microporous membrane, and a water-absorbent layer in fluid communication with the microporous membrane; and a cover sheet.

Abstract: A method of filtering a liquid sample that includes passing a sample comprising at least one biological organism through a filter membrane at a water volume flux of at least 100 L/m2.h.psi, where the filter membrane comprises a Bubble Point pore size of no more than 1.0 ?m and where at least one biological organism is retained on the surface of the membrane. The method further includes detecting the at least one biological organism retained on the surface of the filter membrane.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the thermal processing of samples are disclosed, including sample processing devices featuring an overflow region for retaining excess fluid, as well as portable sealing apparatuses for occluding channels in a sample processing device.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the thermal processing of samples are disclosed, including portable, integrated processing assemblies for occluding channels in a fluidic device.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to concentrate cells onto microparticles, to concentrate the microparticles, and to detect the cells. The present invention also includes unitary sample preparation and detection devices to be used in accordance with the methods.

Abstract: Methods and devices for thermal processing of multiple samples at the same time are disclosed. The sample processing devices provide process arrays that include conduits useful in distributing sample materials to a group of process chambers located in fluid communication with the main conduits. The sample processing devices may include one or more of the following features in various combinations: deformable seals, process chambers connected to the main conduit by feeder conduits exiting the main conduit at offset locations, U-shaped loading chambers, and a combination of melt bonded and adhesively bonded areas.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to concentrate cells onto microparticles, to concentrate the microparticles, and to detect the cells. The present invention also includes unitary sample preparation and detection devices to be used in accordance with the methods.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods for concentrating microorganisms with concentration agents in a sampling device and the sampling device described herein. More specifically, methods for concentrating microorganisms from large volume samples with concentration agents in a sampling device can provide for rapid, low cost, simple (involving no complex equipment or procedures), and/or effective processes under a variety of conditions.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes holder devices, testing kits that include the holder devices, and methods for using the holder devices to allow a user to dispense an aqueous test sample from a sampling device onto a culture plate device having a cover sheet, whereby the cover sheet is supported in an open position by the holder while the user dispenses the aqueous test sample onto a base member of the culture plate device.

Abstract: Sample processing systems and methods of using those systems for processing sample materials located in sample processing devices are disclosed. The sample processing systems include a rotating base plate on which the sample processing devices are located during operation of the systems. The systems also include a cover and compression structure designed to force a sample processing device towards the base plate. The preferred result is that the sample processing device is forced into contact with a thermal structure on the base plate. The systems and methods of the present invention may include one or more of the following features to enhance thermal coupling between the thermal structure and the sample processing device: a shaped transfer surface, magnetic compression structure, and floating or resiliently mounted thermal structure. The methods may preferably involve deformation of a portion of a sample processing device to conform to a shaped transfer surface.

Abstract: Sample processing systems for processing sample materials located in sample processing devices that are separate from the system are disclosed. The sample processing systems include a rotating base plate with raised and/or non-planar thermal structures on which the sample processing devices are located during operation of the systems. The systems may also include structure to urge the sample processing devices against the base plate and thermal structures.

Abstract: Methods and devices for thermal processing of multiple samples at the same time are disclosed. The sample processing devices provide process arrays that include conduits useful in distributing sample materials to a group of process chambers located in fluid communication with the main conduits. The sample processing devices may include one or more of the following features in various combinations: deformable seals, process chambers connected to the main conduit by feeder conduits exiting the main conduit at offset locations, U-shaped loading chambers, and a combination of melt bonded and adhesively bonded areas.