Patent ID: 8361783

Claim:
A medical device for the rapid detection, enumeration and/or identification of one or more microorganisms, comprising: a sampling detecting unit (SDU) comprised of a micro-channel plate having an upper surface and a lower surface, said micro-channel plate having formed therein a plurality of vertically elongated, parallel micro-channels which are open at said upper surface and at said lower surface of said micro-channel plate; a filter having an upper surface and a lower surface, said upper surface of said filter positioned adjacent to said lower surface of said micro-channel plate; an intermediate layer adjacent said lower surface of said filter; and a base adjacent said intermediate layer; a cylindrical chamber having an upper end and a lower end surrounding said SDU, said cylindrical chamber comprised of an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder; a moveable plunger located adjacent said inner cylinder; a channel that can open or close within said cylindrical chamber adjacent to said SDU to allow equalization of air pressure inside and outside of said chamber, said opening or closing of said channel performed by rotating said inner cylinder against said outer cylinder; an orifice located at said lower end of said cylindrical chamber; and a removable cap located at lower end of said cylindrical chamber.