Abstract: A device for culturing microorganisms and its use are described. The claimed device comprises a substrate having a top side, a pedestal mounted on the top side of the substrate and comprising a non-absorbent culture surface, a flexible cover sheet attached to the substrate and comprising a bottom surface, the cover sheet being configured to cover the culture surface, and a culture medium deposited on one or more surfaces selected from: the culture surface, and the cover sheet bottom surface. An aqueous sample is spread and contained by the claimed device without additional equipment or manipulation by the end user.

Abstract: Disc assay devices and methods for the detection and enumeration of microorganisms are disclosed. The devices and methods include a plurality of discs attached to a substrate and a reflector on one surface of each of the discs to reflect electromagnetic energy of selected wavelengths after the energy has passed through the disc. The reflector may be useful to improve the accuracy of detection and/or enumeration of target microorganisms on the assay devices. A system for detecting and/or enumerating target microorganisms on disc assay devices is also provided.

Abstract: Disc assay devices and methods for the detection and enumeration of microorganisms are disclosed. The devices and methods include a plurality of discs attached to a substrate and a reflector on one surface of each of the discs to reflect electromagnetic energy of selected wavelengths after the energy has passed through the disc. The reflector may be useful to improve the accuracy of detection and/or enumeration of target microorganisms on the assay devices. A system for detecting and/or enumerating target microorganisms on disc assay devices is also provided.

Abstract: A device for culturing microorganisms and its use are described. The claimed device comprises a substrate having a top side, a pedestal mounted on the top side of the substrate and comprising a non-absorbent culture surface, a flexible cover sheet attached to the substrate and comprising a bottom surface, the cover sheet being con= figured to cover the culture surface, and a culture medium deposited on one or more surfaces selected from: the culture surface, and the cover sheet bottom surface. An aqueous sample is spread and contained by the claimed device without additional equipment or manipulation by the end user.

Abstract: A method for partitioning an aqueous biological liquid sample into discrete microvolumes for detection and enumeration of microorganisms is described. The method involves distributing microvolumes of a sample to a plurality of hydrophilic liquid-retaining zones of a culture device, where each liquid-retaining zone is surrounded by a portion of a hydrophobic “land” area. Also disclosed are devices for carrying out these methods.

Abstract: A method for partitioning an aqueous biological liquid sample into discrete microvolumes for detection and enumeration of microorganisms is described. The method involves distributing microvolumes of a sample to a plurality of hydrophilic liquid-retaining zones of a culture device, where each liquid-retaining zone is surrounded by a portion of a hydrophobic “land” area. Also disclosed are devices for carrying out these methods.

Abstract: An assay device for detection and enumeration of microorganisms. The device includes absorbent discs on a substrate, an inoculation vehicle to inoculate the discs with sample and an optional coversheet. Methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: An assay device for detection and enumeration of microorganisms. The device includes absorbent discs on a substrate, an inoculation vehicle to inoculate the discs with sample and an optional coversheet. Methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to products and processes used to determine the presence of Enterobacteriaceae in a sample and particularly relates to a bacterial culture medium which may be used in products and processes to allow early detection and enumeration of Enterobacteriaceae in a sample. The bacterial culture medium which facilitates the early detection and enumeration of Enterobacteriaceae contains a selected amount of glucose, pH indicator and buffer which prevent diffusion of colored indicator zones associated with growing bacteria in the medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides a culture device for growing microorganisms having a self supporting substrate coated with a cold-water soluble dry powder which is a mixture of gelling agents and nutrients and a transparent cover sheet having a layer of a water-soluble pressure sensitive adhesive containing indicator dyes on a surface adjacent to the substrate wherein the improvement includes either adding a sufficient amount of a water-insoluble organic acid to the adhesive or including a sufficient amount of acrylic acid as a comonomer in the adhesive in order to inhibit or prevent a premature color change of the indicator dyes.