Abstract: A disposable cartridge for use in assaying an analyte in an automated water quality monitoring analyzer comprising: (a) a platform; (b) array of containers for separately containing at least one reagent, a buffer and a so freeze dried preparation of luminescent bacteria, said containers being mounted on said platform; (c) reaction chamber mounted on said platform and configured for being moved between said containers, such that said reagent, said buffer and said freeze dried preparation of luminescent bacteria are conveyed to said reaction chamber in a predetermined sequence such that light detectable by said analyzer is emitted; (d) fluid transferring means for fluid transfer and mixing between said containers, reaction chamber, and analyzer; (e) conveying means for moving said cartridge to predetermined positions within said automated water quality monitoring analyzer for enabling analysis of said analyte.

Abstract: The invention provides means and methods for determining the presence of infecting microbes in a liquid. The method comprises steps of introducing the liquid to the sample container of a microbial analyzer, the sample container further containing nutrients. Other steps include carrying out a first incubation of said specimen, adding bioluminescent tester microbes to the specimen, carrying out a second incubation of the specimen and measuring bioluminescence, thereby determining said presence and/or concentration of infecting microbes.

Abstract: A medium composition is provided. The medium composition comprising about: NaCl/KCl 1.0-3.0%; Inositol/lactose/trehalose/dextran 0.5-7.0%; Mg/Ca 0.0-300 mM; Yeast Extract/Casamino acids 0.01-0.05%; BSA/egg albumin 0.02-1.0%; and Ethanol/methanol/propanol 0.1-3.5%.