Patent ID: 8969072
Filing Date: 2015-03-03
Classification: C12M,C12Q,G01N

Abstract:
1. A method for automated unloading of “positive” and “negative” specimen containers from an automated detection apparatus for rapid non-invasive detection of microorganism growth in a test sample, said method comprising the following steps: (a) providing one or more specimen containers having an internal chamber with a culture medium disposed therein for culturing any microorganisms that may be present in said test sample; (b) providing an automated detection apparatus, said apparatus comprising: (c) periodically monitoring said specimen containers for the presence and/or absence of one or more by-products of microorganism growth, and wherein said specimen containers are determined to be “positive” for microorganism growth therein by detection of said one or more by-products of microorganism growth or wherein said specimen containers are determined to be “negative” for microorganism growth when said one or more by-products of microorganism growth are not detected after a specified time period; and (d) automatically unloading said “positive” specimen containers from said apparatus by transferring said “positive” specimen containers from said holding structure to said positive container exit port using said multi-axis robotic transfer arm and automatically unloading said “negative” specimen containers from said apparatus by transferring said specimen containers from said holding structure to said waste bin using said multi-axis robotic transfer arm.