Abstract: This disclosure is directed to information management techniques that may be used during automated processing of biological growth media. In one embodiment, a method comprises reading one or more identification elements of a biological growth medium, identifying manufacturing information related to the biological growth medium based on the one or more identification elements of the biological growth medium, identifying sample information related to a sample being tested by the biological growth medium based on the one or more identification elements of the biological growth medium, generating one or more images of the biological growth medium, counting biological agents formed on the biological growth medium based on the one or more images, wherein counting the biological agents comprises generating a count value, and associating the manufacturing information, the sample information and the count value with the one or more identification elements of the biological growth medium.

Abstract: A modular automated system (10) for sample processing and/or detection of microorganisms is provided. The modular system includes modules (40a, 14, 40b, 50, 55) that perform at least one function in the process of detecting microorganisms in a culture device, such as collection of multiple samples, sample loading, sample preparation, sample incubation, and detection of microorganisms in samples. An exemplary embodiment of a modular sample processing and/or detection system can include an automated loading module, a liquid processing module, modular incubator, a second automated loading module, a reader module, and a collector.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to information management techniques that may be used during automated processing of biological growth media. In one embodiment, a method comprises reading an identification element associated with a biological growth medium, identifying manufacturing information associated with the biological growth medium based on the identification element, wherein the manufacturing information includes one or more manufacturing variables measured from the biological growth medium when the biological growth medium was manufactured, adjusting one or more processing parameters associated with processing of the biological growth medium based on the manufacturing variables measured from the biological growth medium when the biological growth medium was manufactured, and processing the biological growth medium in an automated system based on the processing parameters.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to imaging techniques and image analysis techniques for automated analysis of biological growth media. According to this disclosure, the spectral responses of biological growth media can be used to identify and count biological agents from images of biological growth media. The biological growth media may be illuminated with two or more different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation, and images of the biological growth media can be captured under these different illuminations. The spectral reflectance values in one or more first images can be normalized based on the spectral reflectance values in one or more second images, wherein the first images are associated with a different wavelength of illumination than the second images. The normalization may allow for better identification of biological agents that manifest on the biological growth media.

Abstract: A reader for a sterilization indicator having sterilizing agent sensitive indicia is described. The indicator allows a sterilization cycle to be monitored without the need for a user to subjectively distinguish between color, quality or intensity of display patterns.

Abstract: A sterilization indicator having sterilizing agent sensitive indicia is described. The indicator allows a sterilization cycle to be monitored without the need for a user to subjectively distinguish between color, quality or intensity of display patterns.

Abstract: A electronic system for tracking and monitoring articles to be subjected to a sterilization cycle is disclosed. The method uses a sterilization indicator and electronically links sterilization information with the articles subjected to the sterilization process. The indicator allows a sterilization cycle to be monitored without the need for a user to subjectively distinguish between color, quality or intensity of display patterns.

Abstract: A system is used for determining efficacy of a sterilization cycle. A biological sterilization indicator exhibits fluorescence in response to biological activity which is indicative of bacterial growth in the biological sterilization indicator. The biological sterilization indicator is exposed to the sterilization cycle and is placed in a fluorescence reading apparatus. The fluorescence from the biological sterilization indicator is read to obtain a first fluorescence reading. The fluorescence from the biological sterilization indicator is re-read to obtain a second fluorescence reading. The efficacy of the sterilization cycle is determined based on the first and second fluorescence readings.

Abstract: An apparatus reads a plurality of biological indicators (BIs) to determine efficacy of a plurality of sterilization cycles. Each BI exhibits fluorescence in response to biological activity indicative of bacterial growth in the BI. A plurality of BI holders are each configured to receive one of the BIs. A carriage is controllably movable relative to the plurality of BI holders to positions proximate each of the BI holders. A fluorescence sensor is mounted on the carriage and is positioned to sense fluorescence exhibited by the BI contained in the BI vessel in the selected BI holder. A controller is coupled to the fluorescence sensor to receive a fluorescence signal and to provide an output signal indicative of the fluorescence sensed.

Abstract: A system is used for determining efficacy of a sterilization cycle. A biological sterility indicator exhibits fluorescence in response to biological activity which is indicative of bacterial growth in the biological sterility indicator. The biological sterility indicator is exposed to the sterilization cycle and is placed in a fluorescence reading apparatus. The fluorescence from the biological sterility indicator is read to obtain a first fluorescence reading. The fluorescence from the biological sterility indicator is re-read to obtain a second fluorescence reading. The efficacy of the sterilization cycle is determined based on the first and second fluorescence readings.

Abstract: An apparatus and method electro-optically senses the presence of a sheet of material by positioning a member and a light emitter relative to the sheet so that the presence of the sheet causes movement of the member and light emitter. The light emitter can include an optical fiber which produces a light spot so that movement of the light emitted can be sensed by an electro-optic sensor based on the position of the light spot on a photosensitive zone within the electro-optic sensor. A sheet-feeding mechanism can be properly positioned to insure proper placement of the sheet.