Patent ID: 7479375
Filing Date: 2009-01-20
Classification: C12Q,G01N

Abstract:
1. A method of classifying a microorganism in a test sample between a Gram negative bacterium, a Gram positive bacterium, or a fungus, the method comprising the steps of: (a) combining the test sample, which contains a standardized amount of the microorganism, with a hemocyte preparation to produce a mixture; (b) measuring either (i) an optical property of the mixture at a preselected time or (ii) a time in which a preselected change occurs in an optical property of the mixture; wherein the optical property is selected from the group consisting of absorbance, transmittance, optical density, and turbidity; and (c) using the optical property of step (b)(i) or the time value of step (b)(ii) to determine whether the microorganism in the test sample is a Gram negative bacterium, a Gram positive bacterium, or a fungus.