Patent EA-002366-B1 (EA)
Title: Method and apparatus for concentrating and searching of microbiological specimens
IPC: C12M1/26
Filed: 1998-11-03
Abstract: 1. Method for enriching and examining microbiological samples, in which method microbes are brought into a syringe (1) or equivalent, characterized in, that the enrichment of microbes is accomplished inside a syringe (1) or equivalent wherein gas or gaseous mixture are brought into the syringe for a culture mixing or for stirring or aeration, or for regulating other conditions, important for enriching microbiological samples within the syringe. 2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the culture substrate's temperature, pH, partial pressures of gases and/or diffusions or nutrient concentrations and/or diffusions or other conditions are controlled by means of gas or gas mixture conducted to the substrate within the syringe. 3. Method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that a culture substrate placed inside a syringe or equivalent is chosen so that it is selective to required microbes. 4. Method according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a sample containing microbes is collected into the syringe prior to addition of growth medium. 5. Method according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a syringe is placed tip upwards in a holder (2) for the enrichment period. 6. Method according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a syringe is placed tip downwards in a holder for the enrichment period and in that gas is conducted into the syringe through the tip. 7. Method according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a culture solution is transferred for further examination using the same syringe where the culture was accomplished. 8. Method according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that dilutions according to microbiological dilution series may be accomplished in the syringe prior to further inoculations. 9. Apparatus for enriching and examining microbiological samples comprising a syringe (1) or equivalent, characterized in that a lead-through is manufactured in the syringe or the plunger (3) of the syringe, in order to conduct gas or gas mixture in or out of the syringe. 10. Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the apparatus comprises one or more compressed bottles (4) in order to conduct gas or gas mixture from the bottles into the syringe. 11. Apparatus according to any of claims 9 and 10, characterized in that the apparatus comprises a heating/cooling jacket (5), in which the temperature of gas is adjusted as required prior to conducting it to the syringe. 12. Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in, that into a syringe or a plunger (3) of the syringe an injection needle (6) or equivalent is used to produce a lead-through. 13. Apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in, that a tube (7) or a pipe is attached to the injection needle in order to conduct gas in or out of the syringe. 14. Apparatus according to one or several of the claims 9 to 13, characterized in, that the apparatus comprises a lid, cap or a valve to close the tip of the syringe. 15. Apparatus according to one or several of the claims 9 to 13, characterized in, that the apparatus comprises a transparent wall or a window frame in order to monitor the growth of the microbial culture. 16. Apparatus according to one or several of the claims 9 to 13, characterized in, that the apparatus comprises one or more sterile filters (8,9) in order to conduct incoming and/or exhaust gas or gas mixture through a sterile filter.