Abstract: A system and an apparatus for use in detecting a target microorganism or agent is disclosed which involves a solid support carrying a binding partner specific for the particular microorganism or agent and the solid support being characterised in that it defines means for protecting the binding partner from being dislodged or scraped off the solid support by physical means. The provision of protection against the binding partner being dislodged from or scraped off the solid support improves the reliability of tests such as immunoassays being conducted with the solid support and also enables such tests to be automated. Modules and machines for use with the solid support, and the automated conduct of tests are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and an apparatus for use in detecting a target microorganism or agent is disclosed which involves a solid support carrying a binding partner specific for the particular microorganism or agent and the solid support being characterised in that it defines means for protecting the binding partner from being dislodged or scraped off the solid support by physical means. The provision of protection against the binding partner being dislodged from or scraped off the solid support improves the reliability of tests such as immunoassays being conducted with the solid support and also enables such tests to be automated. Modules and machines for use with the solid support, and the automated conduct of tests are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and an apparatus for use in detecting a target microorganism or agent is disclosed which involves a solid support carrying a binding partner specific for the particular microorganism or agent and the solid support being characterised in that it defines means for protecting the binding partner from being dislodged or scraped off the solid support by physical means. The provision of protection against the binding partner being dislodged from or scraped off the solid support improves the reliability of tests such as immunoassays being conducted with the solid support and also enables such tests to be automated. Modules and machines for use with the solid support, and the automated conduct of tests ate also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and an apparatus for use in detecting a target microorganism or agent is disclosed which involves a solid support carrying a binding partner specific for the particular microorganism or agent and the solid support being characterised in that it defines means for protecting the binding partner from being dislodged or scraped off the solid support by physical means. The provision of protection against the binding partner being dislodged from or scraped off the solid support improves the reliability of tests such as immunoassays being conducted with the solid support and also enables such tests to be automated. Modules and machines for use with the solid support, and the automated conduct of tests ate also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided for the detection of low levels of a microorganism in a sample in the presence of competing microflora, comprising the steps of: (a) exposing the sample to a solid support to which are adsorbed antibodies specific for said microorganism; (b) washing the solid support to remove unbound material; (c) combining the solid support with sterile nutrient broth which permits replication of said microorganism; (d) incubating the solid support with said nutrient broth at a temperature and for a time sufficient to allow said microorganism to replicate and be recaptured by said antibodies on said solid support; (e) releasing the bound microorganism from the solid support into a solution; and (f)assaying the solution for the microorganism. A kit for performing the assay also is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for the detection of low numbers of a particular microorganism or microorganisms from a mixed population, the method comprising exposing the sample to a solid support to which antibodies specific for the organism(s) are adsorbed and either growing the bound organism(s) to a detectable level followed by immunoassay or releasing the organisms from the support followed by growth on a non-selective medium and observation of the resultant colonies. The invention also relates to test kits for performing these methods.