Abstract: A card is provided for detecting the existence and/or identity of microbial presence, having a base for receiving thereon a fluidic sample, a transparent cover to overlay the base, formed with a top layer, a bottom layer, and an adhesive layer therebetween, wherein a portion of the bottom layer is formed such that a portion of the adhesive layer is not covered by the bottom layer, and a media applied is to and retained by that portion of the adhesive layer which is not covered by the bottom layer, that media serving to gel the fluidic sample and/or support growth of a micro-organism whose existence and/or identity is being tested by the card. To facilitate manual and/or automated counting of visual indications of micro-organisms, a black ink grid system can be applied which does not diffuse in the presence of the fluidic sample and/or the media, but at the same time which readily is removable from the base when removal is desired.

Abstract: A test card is provided for separately but simultaneously or sequentially detecting the existence and/or identity of different samples of microorganisms, having three layers which allow total separation, growth, and testing of different test samples which require chemically different growth media or replicative simultaneous testing.

Abstract: Coliform detection is provided via the alpha (“?”) form of enzyme substrates. The ? form can be mixed with a dry growth media suitable for target Coliforms and then applied as needed to a test card format, or then mixed with water and sterilized for use a broth applied to a membrane filter detection device, for example.

Abstract: A testing apparatus for fluidic test samples is provided having a card-like base member formed from non-absorbent, non-toxic material(s), without any gelling agent in the area where the test sample is to be deposited, and a separate, thin film top piece to be applied as a manipulable cover to the base member once the test sample is deposited on the base member. The top piece contains the matrix agent(s) for securing the test sample to the base member, such that the gelling agent(s) is applied to the test sample substantially simultaneously with dispersion of the test sample over the base member, as caused by the contact with and compression by and/or through the top piece.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for achieving optimum results of MF and/or Microtrap™ methods considering all of the basic elements that may be included in the MF and/or Microtrap™ apparatus with or without the need for a separate membrane filter and pad. In a major new addition to the classical MF and Microtrap™ approaches in the present invention, a different type of pad can be used to serve the function of both a pad and a membrane filter, (e.g. what is known in the industry as a “pre-filter”) through the use of fine mesh glass material for the pad, that material being non-toxic to the target micro-organisms (formed from fiberglass filaments, for example), with small openings (e.g. 0.3 to 0.7 micrometers). The pad may be pre-treated with growth media, preferably in dehydrated format, and formed of sufficient thickness to absorb and retain the sample fluid in which the target organisms are entrained.

Abstract: A new method of rapid detection of cells, microorganisms, or other items is described using various combinations of indicator enzyme substrates which can be used to yield fluorophoric and chromophoric appearances due to enzymatic activity. One aspect of the invention is the use of a family of compounds that can be used to produce slow diffusing fluorophoric appearances. Another aspect is a family of compounds identified as dual enzyme substrates that can be used to produce both fluorophoric and chromogenic appearances.

Abstract: A method is provided of applying a test sample to a fibrous pad containing growth media which uses unaccelerated dispersion and deposition of the microorganism.

Abstract: A method is provided of applying a test sample to a fibrous pad containing growth media which uses unaccelerated dispersion and deposition of the microorganism.

Abstract: A new method of rapid detection of cells, microorganisms, or other items is described using various combinations of indicator enzyme substrates which can yield fluorophoric and chromophoric appearances due to reaction with enzymes. An aspect of the invention is the use of a family of compounds producing both slow diffusing fluorophoric appearances and a family of compounds identified as dual enzyme substrates producing both fluorophoric and chromogenic appearances.

Abstract: A method of detection of cells, microorganisms, or molecules by the use of various combinations of fluorogens and a chromogens which yield fluorophores and chromophores when cleaved by specific enzymes and which can be viewed by UV and visible light. Included is the method of application of a family of compounds producing both insoluble fluorophores and chromophores identified as dual enzyme substrates.

Abstract: The method provides a simple, accurate and inexpensive way to prepare culture media for conducting microbiological analysis with an absolute minimum of facilities, extraneous equipment and time consuming procedures. The invention introduces the use of a carrier piece that is suitable for carrying a reactant material for combining with growth media. The carrier piece may be formed using (non-)porous, (non-)absorbent material, including paper, plastic, gum, fabric, or acetate. The carrier piece carries a single one or a combination of various reactant materials that are released into the medium or medium/test sample mixture upon contact therewith. The reactant materials may include, among other things, nutrients, inhibitors, including antibiotics and bile salts, enzyme substrates, and/or a catalyst for a gelling agent contained in the growth medium.

Abstract: A method to propagate, enumerate and quantify bacteriophage(s) in a water sample or other aqueous sample was designed which contains ingredients to stimulate the growth of select bacterial species which are susceptible to infection by specific bacteriophage(s), in which interfering background organisms are either inhibited or inconsequential. Important features of the medium include oxidation-reduction compounds producing colored and/or fluorescent products, chromogenic and/or fluorogenic enzyme substrates, and temperature-independent gelling agent(s). A preferred combination is the growth medium containing 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride, 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-B-D-galactoside, and appropriate gelling agents, which (when properly used) produces a dark red bacterial lawn containing teal blue-green, irregularly circular spots representing individual phage plaque, all discernible to the eye in visible light.

Abstract: A test medium and method for detecting, quantifying, identifying and differentiating up to four (4) separate biological materials in a test sample. A test medium is disclosed which allows quantifying and differentiating under ambient light aggregates of biological entities producing specific enzymes, which might include general coliforms, E. coli, Aeromonas, and Salmonella in a single test medium. A new class of nonchromogenic substrates is disclosed which produce a substantially black, non-diffusible precipitate. This precipitate is not subject to interference from other chromogenic substrates present in the test medium. In one embodiment, the substrates are selected such that E. coli colonies present in the test medium show as substantially black, general coliforms colonies show in the test medium as a blue-violet color, Aeromonas colonies present in the test medium show as a generally red-pink color, and Salmonella colonies show as a generally teal-green color.

Abstract: A test medium and method for detecting, quantifying, identifying and differentiating up to four (4) separate biological materials in a test sample. A test medium is disclosed which allows quantifying and differentiating under ambient light aggregates of biological entities producing specific enzymes, which might include general coliforms, E. coli, Aeromonas, and Salmonella in a single test medium. A new class of nonchromogenic substrates is disclosed which produce a substantially black, non-diffusible precipitate. This precipitate is not subject to interference from other chromogenic substrates present in the test medium. In one embodiment, the substrates are selected such that E. coli colonies present in the test medium show as substantially black, general coliforms colonies show in the test medium as a blue-violet color, Aeromonas colonies present in the test medium show as a generally red-pink color, and Salmonella colonies show as a generally teal-green color.

Abstract: A test medium and method for detecting, quantifying, identifying and differentiating up to four (4) separate biological materials in a test sample. A test medium is disclosed which allows quantifying and differentiating under ambient light aggregates of biological entities producing specific enzymes, which might include general coliforms, E. coli, Aeromonas, and Salmonella in a single test medium. A new class of nonchromogenic substrates is disclosed which produce a substantially black, non-diffusible precipitate. This precipitate is not subject to interference from other chromogenic substrates present in the test medium. In one embodiment, the substrates are selected such that E. coli colonies present in the test medium show as substantially black, general coliforms colonies show in the test medium as a blue-violet color, Aeromonas colonies present in the test medium show as a generally red-pink color, and Salmonella colonies show as a generally teal-green color.

Abstract: A test medium and method for detecting, quantifying, identifying and differentiating up to four (4) separate biological materials in a test sample. A test medium is disclosed which allows quantifying and differentiating under ambient light aggregates of biological entities producing specific enzymes, which might include general coliforms, E. coli, Aeromonas, and Salmonella or Shigella in a single test medium. A new class of nonchromogenic substrate is disclosed which produce a substantially black, non-diffusible precipitate. This precipitate is not subject to interference from other chromogenic substrates present in the test medium. In a preferred form, the substrates are selected such that E. coli colonies present in the test medium show as substantially black, general coliforms colonies show in the test medium as a blue-violet color, Aeromonas colonies present in the test medium show as a generally red-pink color, and Salmonella or Shigella colonies show as a generally teal-green color.

Abstract: A chromogenic &bgr;-galactosidase substrate producing an insoluble precipitate of a first color when reacted upon by &bgr;-galactosidase and a chromogenic &bgr;-glucuronidase substrate producing an insoluble precipitate of a second, contrasting color when reacted upon by &bgr;-glucuronidase are combined in a test medium for quantitatively identifying and differentiating general coliforms and E. coli. The &bgr;-galactosidase substrate 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-&bgr;-D-galactopyranoside which produces an indigo blue precipitate when reacted upon by &bgr;-galactosidase may be used with one of the novel compounds 6-chloroindolyl-&bgr;-D-glucuronide, 4,6-dichloroindolyl-&bgr;-D-glucuronide, 6,7-dichloroindolyl-&bgr;-D-glucuronide, and 4,6,7-trichloroindolyl-&bgr;-D-glucuronide, which produce mauve or magenta precipitates when reacted upon by &bgr;-glucuronidase.

Abstract: A test medium and method for detecting, quantifying, identifying and differentiating up to four (4) separate biological materials in a test sample. A test medium is disclosed which allows quantifying and differentiating under ambient light aggregates of biological entities producing specific enzymes, which might include general coliforms, E. coli, Aeromonas, and Salmonella or Shigella in a single test medium. A new class of nonchromogenic substrate is disclosed which produce a substantially black, non-diffusible precipitate. This precipitate is not subject to interference from other chromogenic substrates present in the test medium. In a preferred form, the substrates are selected such that E. coli colonies present in the test medium show as substantially black, general coliforms colonies show in the test medium as a blue-violet color, Aeromonas colonies present in the test medium show as a generally red-pink color, and Salmonella or Shigella colonies show as a generally teal-green color.

Abstract: A test medium and method for detecting, quantifying, identifying and differentiating up to four (4) separate biological materials in a test sample. A test medium is disclosed which allows quantifying and differentiating under ambient light aggregates of biological entities producing specific enzymes, which might include general coliforms, E. coli, Aeromonas, and Salmonella or Shigella in a single test medium. A new class of nonchromogenic substrate is disclosed which produce a substantially black, non-diffusible precipitate. This precipitate is not subject to interference from other chromogenic substrates present in the test medium. In a preferred form, the substrates are selected such that E. coli colonies present in the test medium show as substantially black, general coliforms colonies show in the test medium as a blue-violet color, Aeromonas colonies present in the test medium show as a generally red-pink color, and Salmonella or Shigella colonies show as a generally teal-green color.

Abstract: A test method and medium for quantitatively identifying and distinguishing biological materials in a test sample. A first biological material has enzyme specificity for a first chromogenic substrate, a second biological material has enzyme specificity for a second chromogenic substrate, and a third biological material has specificity for one of the substrates. The chromogenic substrates form respective first and second colored water insoluble compounds upon reaction with specific enzymes. The first and second biological materials are capable of fermenting a sugar, and the third material does not ferment sugar. The test medium is adjusted to a pH conducive for color change of a pH indicator upon acidification due to fermentation, resulting in the formation of a zone of a third color around the water insoluble compounds of the sugar-fermenting materials.