Patent ID: 8642323

Claim:
A container for testing a sample for microorganisms, comprising: a closable substantially rigid transparent sterile chamber configured to allow a light beam to pass into the container and be measured by one or more light detectors, a base and a removable cap, the cap being removable to allow insertion of a sample to be tested into the transparent chamber, and capable of then being returned to the container to seal the container, enclosing the sample within the container, and preventing the sample from escaping from the container, a closed second chamber and a barrier separating the second chamber from the transparent chamber, the second chamber containing a growth promoter and/or a dye adapted to assist in detecting a presence or absence of microorganisms, a first barrier puncturing mechanism for releasing the growth promoter and/or the dye from the second chamber into the transparent chamber without exposing the contents of the container to outside atmosphere, a closed third chamber and a barrier separating the third chamber from the transparent chamber, said third chamber containing a sanitizer effective to kill any microorganisms inside the container when testing is completed, and a second barrier puncturing mechanism for releasing the sanitizer from the third chamber into the container without exposing the contents of the container to outside atmosphere, wherein the closed container securely stores a liquid comprising the sample to be tested.