Patent ID: 8802428
Filing Date: 2014-08-12
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A method of using a detecting apparatus that detects detection targets by obtaining at least one of presence of microorganisms and a rate of proliferation of microorganisms based on a change over time in an oscillation frequency of a piezoelectric vibrator, the detecting apparatus comprising: the piezoelectric vibrator having electrodes formed on both faces, and having an antibody layer formed on the electrode on one face side thereof allowing microorganisms which are detection targets to be absorbed into the antibody layer; an incubation container comprising an incubation space, to which a sample solution is supplied, for retaining said piezoelectric vibrator, wherein said one face side on which the antibody layer is formed is directed to the incubation space; a sample solution supply part supplying the incubation container with a sample solution in which are mixed microorganisms which are detection targets having an antigen to be absorbed in the antibody layer through antigen-antibody reaction; a culture medium supply part supplying the incubation container with a liquid culture medium; a temperature adjusting part for maintaining said incubation space at a constant temperature; a supplied-liquid switching part that switches the part connected to said incubation container between said sample supply part and said culture medium supply part; and an oscillation circuit for oscillating the piezoelectric vibrator; and the method comprising: using the supply liquid switching part to cause the connection destination of the incubation container to be the sample solution supply part, supplying the sample solution to the incubation container; switching, after said using, the connection destination of the incubation container to the culture medium supply part and supplying liquid culture medium to a surface of the antibody layer where the microorganisms have been absorbed, so as to replace the sample solution with the liquid culture medium; in a still state wherein supply of the liquid culture medium has been stopped, using, after said switching, the temperature adjustment part to maintain the temperature in the incubation container at a temperature at which the microorganisms that are the detection targets can proliferate, and oscillating the piezoelectric vibrator; and measuring changes in the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric vibrator that accompanies proliferation of the microorganisms at the interface between the liquid culture medium and the antibody layer.