Patent ID: 9012209
Filing Date: 2015-04-21
Classification: B01L,C12M,C12Q,G01N

Abstract:
1. A device for detecting and/or enumerating microorganisms in a specimen, the microorganisms in the specimen generating carbon dioxide gas, the device comprising: optical instrumentation, the optical instrumentation including at least one light source unit and a photodetector; a container, the container having an outer wall, the outer wall having an upper end and a lower end, an incubation zone defined in the central chamber of the container, the incubation zone containing growth media in which the specimen is cultured; a detection zone located in the cell defined in the container, the detection zone containing a matrix which is substantially transparent to light and capable of absorbing carbon dioxide gas while substantially preventing liquid and solid penetration into the matrix, and at least one indicator reagent disposed in the matrix, the indicator reagent sensitive to carbon dioxide gas that is generated by the microorganisms in the incubation zone and diffuses into the matrix from the incubation zone, wherein the interactive light is indicative of one of the following: the presence of microorganisms in the specimen, the concentration of microorganisms, in the specimen, or the presence and concentration of microorganisms in the specimen.