Patent ID: 9090462
Filing Date: 2015-07-28
Classification: B82Y,C12Q,G01N

Abstract:
1. A method for detecting living target cells in a sample, said method comprising the steps of: (a) providing living target cells present in said sample in a detection zone comprising a detection area at a density of less than 100 target cells per mm (b) allowing the formation of one or more microcolonies of said target cells by in situ replication, (c) labeling said one or more microcolonies with a labeling reagent; and (d) detecting said one or more microcolonies by detecting the signal generated by said labeling reagent; wherein the longest linear dimension of said detection area is greater than 1 mm; said one or more microcolonies have a mean measurement of less than 50 microns in at least two orthogonal dimensions; wherein said detecting does not entail magnification of more than 5×; and wherein said cells in said one or more microcolonies remain competent to replicate following said detecting.