Abstract: A method for testing for presence of a microbe in a sample includes measuring an instantaneous transmission rate of two or more wavelengths through the sample (1403), providing predetermined transmission rates corresponding to positive or negative samples for the presence of the microbe for each of the two or more wavelengths, and determining a probability of the presence of the microbe based on the instantaneous transmission rate for each of the two or more wavelengths through the sample by comparing the instantaneous transmission rate to the predetermined transmission rates (1404).

Abstract: A method for producing a pelletized material includes mixing a media powder with a treated water, the treated water comprising an additive for substantially preventing bacterial contamination, pouring a mixture of the media powder and the treated water on a non-binding surface, spreading the mixture into a wafer, drying the wafer, and grinding the wafer to produce the pelletized material.

Abstract: A method for producing a pelletized material includes mixing a media powder with a treated water, the treated water comprising an additive for substantially preventing bacterial contamination, pouring a mixture of the media powder and the treated water on a non-binding surface, spreading the mixture into a wafer, drying the wafer, and grinding the wafer to produce the pelletized material.

Abstract: A method for producing a pelletized material includes mixing a media powder with a treated water, the treated water comprising a additive for substantially preventing bacterial contamination, pouring a mixture of the media powder and halogenated water on a non-binding surface, spreading the mixture into a wafer, drying the mixture, and grinding the mixture to produce the pelletized material.

Abstract: A method for testing a microbial population including a negative screen includes inoculating a plurality of test ampoules with respective samples and recording a time of the inoculation (102a), performing a first light transmittance test on the test ampoules (103a), recording first test data, performing a second light transmittance test on the test ampoules (106a), recording second test data, and detecting negative samples based on the first test data and the second test data and the time of inoculation (107a).

Abstract: A method for analysis of an aqueous sample includes determining a first reading of a sample, and comparing the first reading to a first read index to determine a first read probability wherein the first read probability gives either a positive or a negative result for the sample. The method includes determining a second reading for the sample, and comparing the second reading to a second read index, wherein a second read probability is determined according to the reading and the second read index. The second read probability gives either a positive or a negative result for the sample. From the first and second readings, a species and a life phase of the species are determined.

Abstract: A light collar includes an outside diameter, a first inside diameter, a second inside diameter greater than the first inside diameter forming a bore for receiving an ampoule well, and at least one port in an outer surface of the collar having a depth for receiving a light source.

Abstract: A method for producing a palletized material includes mixing a media powder with a treated water (100), the treated water comprising an additive for substantially preventing bacterial contamination, pouring the mixture of media powder and halogenated water on a non-binding surface (102), spreading the mixture into a wafer (103), Drying the mixture (104), and grinding the mixture to produce the palletized material.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus including an ampoule, an ampoule barrel for receiving the ampoule through a first opening, and a sheath fitted over a tip of the ampoule and extending from the ampoule and through a second opening of the ampoule barrel.

Abstract: A method for testing for presence of a microbe in a sample includes measuring an instantaneous transmission rate of two or more wavelengths through the sample (1403), providing predetermined transmission rates corresponding to positive or negative samples for the presence of the microbe for each of the two or more wavelengths, and determining a probability of the presence of the microbe based on the instantaneous transmission rate for each of the two or more wavelengths through the sample by comparing the instantaneous transmission rate to the predetermined transmission rates (1404).

Abstract: An analyzer apparatus includes a receptacle for an ampoule, an analysis system, an incubator, and a master control. The analysis system includes a light source and a photodetector positioned such that the light from the light source passes through the receptacle. The master control includes a display, a timer, and a memory provided with a look-up table. During operation, an ampoule containing a sample and an indicator which changes color when a certain level of biological activity is present in the sample is placed within the receptacles. The analysis system is operated to transmit light at the predetermined wavelength through the ampoule to the detector, and a maximum amount of light passing through the ampoule is logged. The incubator is operated to heat the receptacle and the ampoule therein to a desired test temperature and the timer is started. The analysis system periodically transmits light through the ampoule.

Abstract: An evacuated vial for collecting a fluid sample and a method for manufacturing the vial comprising a cylindrical glass tube, one end of the tube formed into a frangible tip, a glass bottom closing off the other end of the tube, and a depression formed in the bottom forming an internal breaking tip extending into said tube. The bottom of the tube is sealed in a manner permitting convenient puncture thereof to break the tip when a sample is to be delivered.

Abstract: A sealed indicator vial to detect the presence of a predetermined contaminant in water containing a mixture of reagents reactive in the presence of water, the mixture being sufficiently dehydrated to prevent the reaction of said reagents while sealed in said vial. The vial contains an inert atmosphere at less than atmospheric pressure. Also described is the method of producing such an indicator vial in which a tube containing the dehydrated reagents is heated and stretched to form a narrow waist while under vacuum.