Abstract: A method for reading images of a base of a plate provided with at least one well containing a culture medium of micro-organisms includes: i) forming a opaquing layer covering a surface of the culture medium to form a reading base; and ii) imaging, at specific time intervals, the base of the well using an imaging optical device.

Abstract: A process allowing measuring of viscosity of a culture medium of microorganisms including a) immersing at least one particle that is charged electrically, is magnetic or can be magnetized or covered with at least one magnetic or magnetizable layer in the culture, b) subjecting the culture to an electrical, magnetic or electromagnetic field in such a manner as to put the particle in motion, and c) optically detecting the degree of freedom of motion of the particle in the culture without a scanning microscope.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing containers for receiving and preserving biological specimens comprising a plug that comprises at least one connecting means such that, after interlocking with the apparatus, access to contents of the apparatus necessarily brings about a physical transformation that is irreversible and can be ascertained by the naked eye of the container, and not of the plug, which physical transformation consists, e.g., but not necessarily, of a rupture or a tear of this means.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for identifying a plurality of samples (1), characterized in that it includes: a step of preparing an assembled storage of a plurality of samples (1), in a block (3) comprising a first identification marking M1 and a plurality of detachable supports (2), each containing at least one of said samples; a step of separating one support, consisting in separating the support (2) corresponding to said block, and in irreversibly associating said support with a second identification marking M2. Said method enables samples to be securely identified and to be easily traced.

Abstract: The invention concerns a secure method for collecting and analyzing samples using a device for storing samples comprising data storage means and at least one sampling receptacle capable of being associated therewith, the device being provided with means for verifying and ensuring the integrity of the receptacle before and after its use when said receptacle is associated with the device, the receptacle including data storage means already including data for identifying said receptacle, the method providing for recording of all data concerning sampling and analysis in the storage means.

Abstract: A method for reading images of a base of a plate provided with at least one well containing a culture medium of micro-organisms includes: i) forming a opaquing layer covering a surface of the culture medium to form a reading base; and ii) imaging, at specific time intervals, the base of the well. using an imaging optical device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an identifying and protecting device associated with an element whose integrity is desired to be known. The identifying and protecting device includes an electronic identification label assigned to a first antenna which is used for remotely reading the content of the label, a second antenna which is connected to the first antenna, and which is used for remotely reading the content of the label and is associated with the element in such a way that the coupling between the first and second antennas is broken when the integrity of the element is affected.

Abstract: A process for isolating at least one micro-organism from a medium including a) introducing a selected quantity of magnetic or magnetizable particles into a sample of the medium; b) incubating the particles and the medium for a time sufficient for the micro-organisms to develop and adhere to surfaces of the particles; c) separating the particles from the medium; d) spreading the particles on a support compatible with development of the micro-organisms; and e) incubating the particles on the support for a time sufficient for the development of colonies corresponding to the isolated micro-organism.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing containers for receiving and preserving biological specimens comprising a plug that comprises at least one connecting means such that, after interlocking with the apparatus, access to contents of the apparatus necessarily brings about a physical transformation that is irreversible and can be ascertained by the naked eye of the container, and not of the plug, which physical transformation consists, e.g., but not necessarily, of a rupture or a tear of this means.

Abstract: A process allowing measuring of viscosity of a culture medium of microorganisms including a) immersing at least one particle that is charged electrically, is magnetic or can be magnetized or covered with at least one magnetic or magnetizable layer in the culture, b) subjecting the culture to an electrical, magnetic or electromagnetic field in such a manner as to put the particle in motion, and c) optically detecting the degree of freedom of motion of the particle in the culture without a scanning microscope.

Abstract: A biological analysis system including at least one receptacle of a biological sample to be analyzed, a part associated with the receptacle incorporating an electronic circuit including a memory and a contactless transmitter, and a biological analysis device including a receiver circuit, a comparator, and means to prevent operation in the absence of positive detection of a sample linked to an analysis, storage or operation to be performed, with positive detection being linked to an identification zone smaller than about 20 cm, wherein the comparator compares data transmitted by an electronic circuit incorporated in the part, with data transmitted by the circuit incorporated in the part pertaining to the analysis, storage or operation to be performed.

Abstract: A thermostated cabinet for storing articles fitted with radio-frequency identifier including a cabinet having an opening for introducing and removing articles, an article monitor comprising at least one radio-frequency receiver connected to at least one antenna for detecting movements of the articles, and means for providing data to the radio frequency identifier.

Abstract: A microtitration plate including a plastic base having a multiplicity of cups shaped and sized to receive biological liquid samples, each cup being surrounded by an attenuated zone and having an upper collar sized and shaped to cooperate with a complementary sized and shaped tool to exert a torsional force on the upper collar, thereby causing detachment of the cup by tearing at least a portion of the attenuated zone.

Abstract: A thermostated cabinet for storing articles fitted with a radio-frequency identifier including a cabinet having an opening for introducing and removing articles, an article monitor comprising at lest one radio-frequency receiver connected to at least one antenna for detecting movements of the articles, and means for providing data to the ratio-frequency identifier.

Abstract: A biological analysis system including at least one receptacle of a biological sample to be analyzed, a part associated with the receptacle incorporating an electronic circuit including a memory and a contactless transmitter, and a biological analysis device including a receiver circuit, a comparator, and means to prevent operation in the absence of positive detection of a sample linked to an analysis, storage or operation to be performed, with positive detection being linked to an identification zone smaller than about 20 cm, wherein the comparator compares data transmitted by an electronic circuit incorporated in the part, with data transmitted by the circuit incorporated in the part pertaining to the analysis, storage or operation to be performed.

Abstract: A microtitration plate including a plastic base having a multiplicity of cups shaped and sized to receive biological liquid samples, each cup being surrounded by an attenuated zone and having an upper collar sized and shaped to cooperate with a complementary sized and shaped tool to exert a torsional force on the upper collar, thereby causing detachment of the cup by tearing at least a portion of the attenuated zone.