Abstract: Reader and plate methods, operations, and systems for observing a biological sample are shown and described. In one embodiment, a device for observing biological growth, when present, on a growth plate, includes an imaging device and a variable positioning nest. The nest may include a first sunken frame to receive a first growth plate, and an offset second sunken frame to receive a distinct second growth plate in an operating position offset about the first operating position.

Abstract: Culture medium devices and systems are shown and described. In one embodiment, the device comprises a culture medium adapted for test fluid inoculation without the concerns associated with a spreading step. In particular examples, a printed grid on the outer surface of a culture device is visible on the inner surface for colony counting after a test has been developed. The result is a device that allows for detection, identification, and transportation of various microorganisms without preparation or spreading steps, and more particularly to a culture medium in which a test fluid inoculated thereto diffuses rapidly.

Abstract: Apparatus and assemblies for the detection of at least one analyte in a sample are shown and described. In one embodiment, the assembly generates a test result from an assay and includes an integrated reader and incubator, wherein the incubator incubates the assay as the reader generates the test result. The reader typically has an optical detector aligned with a light source for detecting a plurality of transmission of light on the assay. The result is systems and methods to improve the detection of the presence and/or absence of at least one analyte in a sample.

Abstract: Reader observation and monitoring of the imaging of biological development is shown and described. In one embodiment, a method for monitoring biological growth includes identifying an alert from comparing a background value identified on a plate to a non-background value identified on a plate. In particular examples, a pre-filter, threshold, and histogram analysis identifies an alert count.

Abstract: Apparatus and assemblies for the detection of at least one analyte in a sample are shown and described. In one embodiment, the assembly generates a test result from an assay and includes an integrated reader and incubator, wherein the incubator incubates the assay as the reader generates the test result. The reader typically has an optical detector aligned with a light source for detecting a plurality of transmission of light on the assay. The result is systems and methods to improve the detection of the presence and/or absence of at least one analyte in a sample.

Abstract: System, apparatus, and assemblies for the detection of at least one analyte in a sample are shown and described. The system may be an onboard vehicle system to generate an antibiotic test result from an antibiotic analyte assay.

Abstract: Reader and plate methods, operations, and systems for imaging/counting biological development on plates are shown and described. One embodiment includes calibrating a plate reader. Calibration may be triggered by detecting a quality control event or the like. The calibration process may include receiving a low and/or high calibrator, counting objects on the calibrator(s), and comparing objects on the calibrator(s) to a predetermined limit. The result is an improved plate reader for observing biological growth, when present, on a growth plate.

Abstract: Reader and plate methods, operations, and systems for observing a biological sample are shown and described. In one embodiment, a reader device includes selecting a plate type between at least two plate type selections on a user interface. One embodiment includes aligning a peel plate within a tray holder nest to define a semi-fixed processing position. One embodiment includes transporting a peel plate from a loading position into a focal alignment with an imaging device for monitoring biological growth, when present.

Abstract: Reader observation and monitoring of the imaging of biological development is shown and described. In one embodiment, a method for monitoring biological growth includes identifying an alert from comparing a background value identified on a plate to a non-background value identified on a plate. In particular examples, a pre-filter, threshold, and histogram analysis identifies an alert count.

Abstract: Culture medium devices and systems are shown and described. In one embodiment a growth plate includes an upper surface, a recessed well, a raised platform having an opposing cavity, and raised extensions having an opposing receiving aperture. Typically, the well is recessed below the top surface and the platform is above the upper surface. A growth plate assembly typically includes at least a first growth plate's raised stacking surfaces being temporarily received by a second growth plate's receiving surfaces, thereby temporarily securing growth plates together.

Abstract: Apparatus and assemblies for the detection of at least one analyte in a sample are shown and described. In one embodiment, the assembly generates a test result from an assay and includes an integrated reader and incubator, wherein the incubator incubates the assay as the reader generates the test result. The reader typically has an optical detector aligned with a light source for detecting a plurality of transmission of light on the assay. The result is systems and methods to improve the detection of the presence and/or absence of at least one analyte in a sample.

Abstract: Assessing test results development during assay analysis is shown and described. In one embodiment, an apparatus generates an assessment of diagnostic test development from an assay. The apparatus may include an optical detector aligned in an optical path with the assay. Further, the optical detector may perform continuous image detection of the assay to generate an assessment testing development. In some examples, the assessment is a graphical display of diagnostic development. In yet other embodiments, a method of assessing diagnostic test development may include signaling the optical detector to perform continuing image detection of the assay and generating an assessment of said diagnostic test development. The assessment may include graphing a reflectance detected on the assay on a display board.

Abstract: Apparatus and assemblies for the detection of at least one analyte in a sample are shown and described. In one embodiment, the assembly generates a test result from an assay and includes an integrated reader and incubator, wherein the incubator incubates the assay as the reader generates the test result. The reader typically has an optical detector aligned with a light source for detecting a plurality of transmission of light on the assay. The result is systems and methods to improve the detection of the presence and/or absence of at least one analyte in a sample.

Abstract: Apparatus and assemblies for the detection of at least one analyte in a sample are shown and described. In one embodiment, the assembly generates a test result from an assay and includes an integrated reader and incubator, wherein the incubator incubates the assay as the reader generates the test result. The reader typically has an optical detector aligned with a light source for detecting a plurality of transmission of light on the assay. The result is systems and methods to improve the detection of the presence and/or absence of at least one analyte in a sample.

Abstract: Apparatus and assemblies for the detection of at least one analyte in a sample are shown and described. In one embodiment, the assembly generates a test result from an assay and includes an integrated reader and incubator, wherein the incubator incubates the assay as the reader generates the test result. The reader typically has an optical detector aligned with a light source for detecting a plurality of transmission of light on the assay. The result is systems and methods to improve the detection of the presence and/or absence of at least one analyte in a sample.

Abstract: Apparatus and assemblies for the detection of at least one analyte in a sample are shown and described. In one embodiment, the assembly generates a test result from an assay and includes an integrated reader and incubator, wherein the incubator incubates the assay as the reader generates the test result. The reader typically has an optical detector aligned with a light source for detecting a plurality of transmission of light on the assay. The result is systems and methods to improve the detection of the presence and/or absence of at least one analyte in a sample.

Abstract: Assessing test results development during assay analysis is shown and described. In one embodiment, an apparatus generates an assessment of diagnostic test development from an assay. The apparatus may include an optical detector aligned in an optical path with the assay. Further, the optical detector may perform continuous image detection of the assay to generate an assessment testing development. In some examples, the assessment is a graphical display of diagnostic development. In yet other embodiments, a method of assessing diagnostic test development may include signaling the optical detector to perform continuing image detection of the assay and generating an assessment of said diagnostic test development. The assessment may include graphing a reflectance detected on the assay on a display board.

Abstract: Hygiene control stations and methods are shown and described. In one embodiment, the control station includes picking compartments with corresponding automated inventory control. Further, the control stations may include user instructions and best hygiene practices. In particular examples, the control stations include sensors and alarms to ensure proper usage. The result is control systems and methods to improve hygiene care, infection control, inventory management, and the like.

Abstract: A substantially moisture-tight unit for packaging moisture-sensitive items. The unit includes a container and cap. The container has a closed container bottom, a container top, a sidewall extending upwardly from the container bottom to the container top and a fixed surface at, or near, the container top. The unit also includes a cap. The cap has a lid and a moisture impervious layer attached to an inside portion of the lid. The lid can snap onto the container to hold the moisture impervious layer against a fixed surface forming a moisture barrier.

Abstract: Culture medium devices and systems are shown and described. In one embodiment, the device comprises a culture medium adapted for test fluid inoculation without the concerns associated with a spreading step. In particular examples, a printed grid on the outer surface of a culture device is visible on the inner surface for colony counting after a test has been developed. The result is a device that allows for detection, identification, and transportation of various microorganisms without preparation or spreading steps, and more particularly to a culture medium in which a test fluid inoculated thereto diffuses rapidly.