bioMerieux, Inc. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20150031063 | METHOD OF DETECTING AT LEAST ONE MECHANISM OF RESISTANCE TO CARBAPENEMS BY MASS SPECTROMETRY - The present invention pertains to a method of detection, by mass spectrometry, of at least one marker of at least one mechanism of resistance to at least one antimicrobial, resistance of at least one microorganism contained in a sample, characterised in that the antimicrobial is a carbapenem, and said resistance markers are proteins or peptides. Preferably, said proteins or peptides are proteins from said microorganism. | 01-29-2015 |
20140358449 | METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING MICROORGANISMS BY MASS SPECTROMETRY - A method of identifying a microorganism by mass spectrometry, including acquiring at least one mass spectrum of said microorganism; for each acquired mass spectrum: detecting peaks of the spectrum in a predetermined mass range; generating a list of peaks identifying at most one peak in each interval of a predetermined subdivision of the range of mass-to-charge ratios, the width of the intervals of the subdivision logarithmically increasing along with the mass-to-charge ratio, and analyzing the list(s) of peaks obtained according to a knowledge base of previously-identified microorganisms and/or types of microorganisms. | 12-04-2014 |
20140343864 | METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING MICROORGANISMS VIA MASS SPECTROMETRY AND SCORE NORMALIZATION - An identification by mass spectrometry of a microorganism from among reference microorganisms represented by reference data sets includes: determining a set of data of the microorganism according to a spectrum; for each reference microorganism, calculating a distance between the determined and reference sets; and calculating a probability f(m) according to relation | 11-20-2014 |
20140335558 | Method for the Characterization of Microorganisms on Solid or Semi-Solid Media - The present invention relates to methods and systems for scanning, detecting, and monitoring microorganisms on solid or semi-solid media using intrinsic fluorescence (IF) measurements. The methods are further directed to detection, characterization and/or identification of microorganisms on a solid or semi-solid media using intrinsic fluorescence (IF) measurements that are characteristic of said microorganisms. | 11-13-2014 |
20140322104 | ADAPTER CAPS FOR SAMPLE COLLECTION CONTAINERS AND ASSOCIATED MOLDS WITH CORE PINS AND RELATED METHODS - Adapter caps for sample collection containers have a monolithic elongate body with an upper neck portion that merges into a larger lower body portion with an open internal cavity. The upper neck portion has an open needle bore that is concentrically aligned with the open internal cavity. The monolithic elongate body has an axially extending centerline. The needle bore has a downwardly extending wall with an inner surface that comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart longitudinally extending flat surfaces. | 10-30-2014 |
20140234889 | METHOD FOR NEUTRALIZATION OF ANTIBIOTICS IN A CULTURE MEDIUM - The present invention is directed to a method and means for the neutralization, binding, and/or inactivation of antimicrobials in a test sample. The invention is also directed to a method of detecting the presence of one or more microorganisms in a test sample by culturing the test sample in a culture media comprising one or more primary amine-containing compounds. | 08-21-2014 |
20140199724 | Method and Culture Medium for Enhanced Detection of Mycobacterium - The present invention relates to an improved culture medium and method for the enhanced growth and detection of | 07-17-2014 |
20140186881 | Method and System for Detection and/or Characterization of a Biological Particle in a Sample - The present invention provides a method and system for monitoring, detecting, and/or characterizing a biological particle that may be present in a sample whereby the method may be accomplished non-invasively by utilizing a time-dependent spectroscopic technique to obtain at least two measurements of a growth composition comprising a sample and correlating said measurements for the detection and/or characterization of a biological particle, that may be present in the sample. | 07-03-2014 |
20140186879 | Methods for Separation, Characterization and/or Identification of Microorganisms using Spectroscopy - The present invention is directed to a method for separating, characterizing and/or identifying microorganisms in a test sample. The method of the invention comprises an optional lysis step for lysing non-microorganism cells that may be present in a test sample, followed by a subsequent separation step. The method may be useful for the separation, characterization and/or identification of microorganisms from complex samples such as blood-containing culture media. The invention further provides for spectroscopic interrogation of the separated microorganism sample to produce measurements of the microorganism and characterizing and/or identifying the microorganism in the sample using said spectroscopic measurements. | 07-03-2014 |
20140134670 | IDENTIFICATION AND/OR CHARACTERIZATION OF A MICROBIAL AGENT USING TAXONOMIC HIERARCHICAL CLASSIFICATION - A method for identification and/or characterization of a microbial agent present in a sample includes a step of analytical test data (e.g., obtaining intrinsic fluorescence values over a range of emission wavelengths) from the microbial agent. The analytical test data is transformed thereby minimizing strain to strain variations within an organism group. With the aid of a programmed computer, a multi-level classification algorithm coded as a set of processing instructions operates on the transformed analytic test data. The multiple levels correspond to different levels in a taxonomic hierarchy for microbial agents suspected of being in the sample | 05-15-2014 |
20140127734 | METHOD OF DETECTING AT LEAST ONE MECHANISM OF RESISTANCE TO CEPHALOSPORINS BY MASS SPECTROMETRY - The present invention pertains to a method of detection, by mass spectrometry, of at least one marker of at least one mechanism of resistance to at least one antimicrobial, resistance of at least one microorganism contained in a sample, characterised in that the antimicrobial is a cephalosporin, and said resistance markers are proteins or peptides. Preferably, said proteins or peptides are proteins from said microorganism. | 05-08-2014 |
20140087368 | Methods for Antimicrobial Resistance Determination - The present invention relates to methods and systems for determining the antibiotic-resistance status of microorganisms. The invention further provides methods for determining the antibiotic-resistance status of microorganisms in situ within a single system. | 03-27-2014 |
20140072998 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY VENTING AND SAMPLING A CULTURE SPECIMEN CONTAINER - Apparatus for automated venting and/or sampling of a specimen container having a closure sealing the interior of the specimen container from the environment is disclosed. The apparatus includes a rack holding the specimen container; a venting and/or sampling device having a needle, a chamber in fluid communication with the needle and a port in fluid communication with the chamber; a robotic transfer mechanism moveable relative to the rack; a sample removal apparatus attached to the robotic transfer mechanism having gripping features for gripping the venting device. The sample removal apparatus and robotic transfer mechanism are moveable relative to the specimen container so as to automatically insert the needle of the venting device through the closure of the specimen container to thereby vent the interior of the specimen container and obtain equilibrium between the interior of the specimen container and the atmosphere and withdraw a portion of the sample from the specimen container into the venting and/or sampling device. | 03-13-2014 |
20130323718 | Methods for the Characterization of Microorganisms on Solid or Semi-Solid Media - The present invention relates to methods and systems for scanning, detecting, and monitoring microorganisms on solid or semi-solid media using intrinsic fluorescence (IF) measurements. The methods are further directed to detection, characterization and/or identification of microorganisms on a solid or semi-solid media using intrinsic fluorescence (IF) measurements that are characteristic of said microorganisms. | 12-05-2013 |
20130309716 | Methods For Inactiviation And/or Extraction of A Fungus Test Sample For Characterization And/or Identification Using Mass Spectrometry - The present invention is directed to a method for inactivation and/or extraction of fungus samples (e.g., mold or yeast samples), the method comprising the following sequential steps: (a) acquiring a test sample known to contain or that may contain fungus and suspending the test sample in a container containing water and/or suspension medium; (b) adding ethanol to the suspension; (c) centrifuging the container to pellet the fungus and removing and discarding the supernatant; (d) resuspending the fungus in formic acid; (e) adding acetonitrile to the sample; (f) centrifuging the sample; and (g) recovering the supernatant. In accordance with the present invention, the recovered supernatant can be subjected to mass spectrometry analysis for characterization and/or identification of the unknown fungus. | 11-21-2013 |
20130309714 | Methods for Inactiviation And Extraction of Acid-Fast Bacteria for Characterization And/Or Identification Using Mass Spectrometry - The present invention is directed to a method for inactivation and/or extraction of acid-fast bacteria (e.g., | 11-21-2013 |
20130288295 | Method and System for Detection and/or Characterization of a Biological Particle in a Sample - The present invention provides a method and system for monitoring, detecting, and/or characterizing a biological particle that may be present in a sample whereby the method may be accomplished non-invasively by utilizing a time-dependent spectroscopic technique to obtain at least two measurements of a growth composition comprising a sample and correlating said measurements for the detection and/or characterization of a biological particle, that may be present in the sample. | 10-31-2013 |
20130273644 | NUCLEIC ACID AMPLIFICATION REACTION STATION FOR DISPOSABLE TEST DEVICES - An instrument for conducting nucleic acid amplification reactions in a disposable test device is provided. The test device includes a first reaction chamber containing a first nucleic acid amplification reagent (e.g., primers and nucleotides) and a second reaction chamber either containing, or in fluid communication, with a second nucleic acid amplification reagent (e.g., an amplification enzyme such as RT). The instrument includes a support structure receiving the test device. A temperature control system maintains the first reaction chamber at a first elevated temperature but simultaneously maintains the second nucleic acid amplification reagent at a second temperature lower than the first temperature so as to preserve the second nucleic acid amplification reagent. An actuator operates on a fluid conduit in the test device to place the first and second reaction chambers in fluid communication with each other after a reaction has occurred in the first reaction chamber at the first temperature. A pneumatic system is also provided that assists in fluid transfer of a reaction solution from the first chamber to the second chamber. | 10-17-2013 |
20130252271 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETECTION OF MICROBIAL GROWTH IN A SPECIMEN CONTAINER - A method for determining whether microbial growth is occurring within a specimen container includes steps of incubating the specimen container and obtaining a series of measurement data points while the specimen container is incubated and storing the data points in a machine-readable memory. The series of measurement data points represent a growth curve of microbial growth within the specimen container. The methods determine a positive condition of microbial growth within the container from the measurement data points. | 09-26-2013 |
20130196366 | Method and Culture Medium for Enhanced Detection of Mycobacterium - The present invention relates to an improved culture medium and method for the enhanced growth and detection of | 08-01-2013 |
20130192036 | INCUBATION SYSTEM WITH LOW TEMPERATURE ENCLOSURE - An incubator is fitted with an enclosure which surrounds the incubator. A cold air generation system supplies relatively cold air to a space formed between enclosure and the incubator. The system supplying the cold air can be embodied in a cart or base upon which the incubator sits. The enclosure is also placed on the base in a manner such that it substantially envelops the incubator. The top of the cart has openings for egress of cold air and return of air so that air may circulate in a closed loop. The incubator, cold air supply system and enclosure present a solution for incubating samples in a nominal 20-25° C. temperature environment. The enclosure, which is preferably insulated, may include a void or opening which exposes doors or other access device of the incubator, allowing direct access to the samples in the incubator while the rest of the incubator is enveloped by the enclosure. | 08-01-2013 |
20130164822 | Method for Neutralization of Antibiotics in a Culture Medium - The present invention is directed to a method and means for the neutralization, binding, and/or inactivation of antimicrobials in a test sample. The invention is also directed to a method of detecting the presence of one or more microorganisms in a test sample by culturing the test sample in a culture media comprising one or more primary amine-containing compounds. | 06-27-2013 |
20130004287 | Holder for Culture Plates with De-Nesting Feature - A holding structure for holding a plurality of culture plates in a stacked arrangement includes a feature for de-nesting the bottom culture plate from the plate above it. The de-nesting feature is preferably a structure which urges a plate to move laterally relative to the plate above it. The de-nesting of the bottom culture plate from the adjacent culture plate facilitates withdrawal of the bottom culture plate from the base via a robotic plate transfer mechanism. The de-nesting feature can be entirely passive, such as ramps formed in the base of the holding structure. | 01-03-2013 |
20120238007 | Culture Bottles with Internal Sensors - Specimen containers incorporating a sensor are provided with features for decreasing the volume of polymer matrix material required for the sensor. Such volume-reducing features can take the form of scallop-like indentations projecting inwards towards the interior of the container formed in the transition between the side wall of the container and the base of the container. Alternatively, the base of the container includes a raised rim extending upwards into the interior of the body inward of and spaced from the side wall. The rim defines a chamber for the sensor. Methods of manufacturing specimen containers with cured liquid phase sensor matrix materials are also disclosed. | 09-20-2012 |
20120156716 | Methods For The Isolation, Accumulation, Characterization And/Or Identification Of Microorganisms Using A Filtration And Sample Transfer Device - The present invention is directed to methods, devises and kits for separating, accumulating, characterizing and/or identifying microorganisms known to be present or that may be present in a test sample. The method of the invention comprises optional lysing non-microorganism cells and/or particulates that may be present in a test sample, followed by a subsequent filtration step for isolation and/or accumulation of microorganisms. In one embodiment, a filtration and sample transfer device is used for isolation and/or accumulation of microorganisms by filtration. Once the microorganisms have been filtered for isolation and/or accumulation microorganisms, the isolated and/or accumulated microorganisms can be analyzing to acquire measurements for the characterization and/or identification of said microorganisms. | 06-21-2012 |
20120141325 | Sample Test Cards - The present invention is directed to sample test cards having an increased sample well capacity for analyzing biological or other test samples. In one embodiment, the sample test cards of the present invention comprises a fluid channel network disposed in both the first surface and the second surface and connecting the fluid intake port to the sample wells, the fluid channel network comprising at least one distribution channels, a plurality of fill channels operatively connected to the at least one distribution channel, a plurality of through-channels operatively connected to one or more of the fill channels and a plurality of horizontally orientated fill ports operatively connecting the fill channels to the sample wells. | 06-07-2012 |
20120135454 | METHODS FOR SEPARATION, CHARACTERIZATION AND/OR IDENTIFICATION OF MICROORGANISMS USING SPECTROSCOPY - The present invention is directed to a method for separating, characterizing and/or identifying microorganisms in a test sample. The method of the invention comprises an optional lysis step for lysing non-microorganism cells that may be present in a test sample, followed by a subsequent separation step. The method may be useful for the separation, characterization and/or identification of microorganisms from complex samples such as blood-containing culture media. The method may also be useful for the physical separation and/or enrichment of two or more different or individual microorganism species contained in a mixed test sample. The invention further provides for spectroscopic interrogation of the separated microorganism sample(s) to produce measurements of the microorganism and characterizing and/or identifying the microorganism(s) in the sample using said spectroscopic measurements. | 05-31-2012 |
20120115183 | Detector Arrangement for Blood Culture Bottles with Colorimetric Sensors - A detector arrangement is disclosed for a blood culture bottle incorporating a colorimetric sensor which is subject to change of color due to change in pH or CO | 05-10-2012 |
20120088263 | Sample Test Cards - The present invention is directed to sample test cards having an increased sample well capacity for analyzing biological or other test samples. In one embodiment, the sample test cards of the present invention comprise one or more fluid over-flow reservoirs, wherein the over-flow reservoirs are operatively connected to a distribution channel by a fluid over-flow channel. In another embodiment, the sample test cards may comprise a plurality of flow reservoirs operable to trap air thereby reducing and/or preventing well-to-well contamination. The test card of this invention may comprise from 80 to 140 individual sample wells, for example, in a test card sample test cards of the present invention have a generally rectangular shape sample test card having dimensions of from about 90 to about 95 mm in width, from about 55 to about 60 mm in height and from about 4 to about 5 mm in thickness. | 04-12-2012 |
20120021455 | Detector Arrangement for Blood Culture Bottles With Colorimetric Sensors - A detector arrangement for a blood culture bottle incorporating a colorimetric sensor which is subject to change of color due to change in pH or CO | 01-26-2012 |
20120021452 | Belt Agitation System For Culture Bottles - A specimen culture container agitation assembly includes an endless belt having a multitude of container-receiving clips attached thereto, each of which is adapted for retaining a specimen culture container to the belt. The belt is oriented vertically. The assembly further includes upper and lower pulleys over which the belt is driven. A drive motor drives the belt around the pulleys. Agitation of the specimen culture container is achieved by rotation of the belt over the pulleys and the retaining of the specimen culture container by the clip. | 01-26-2012 |
20110281291 | Identification and/or characterization of a microbial agent using taxonomic hierarchical classification - A method for identification and/or characterization of a microbial agent present in a sample includes a step of analytical test data (e.g., obtaining intrinsic fluorescence values over a range of emission wavelengths) from the microbial agent. The analytical test data is transformed thereby minimizing strain to strain variations within an organism group. With the aid of a programmed computer, a multi-level classification algorithm coded as a set of processing instructions operates on the transformed analytic test data. The multiple levels correspond to different levels in a taxonomic hierarchy for microbial agents suspected of being in the sample. | 11-17-2011 |
20110160125 | METHOD AND CULTURE MEDIUM FOR ENHANCED DETECTION OF MYCOBACTERIUM - The present invention relates to an improved culture medium and method for the enhanced growth and detection of | 06-30-2011 |
20110159534 | METHOD AND CULTURE MEDIUM FOR ENHANCED DETECTION OF MYCOBACTERIUM - The present invention relates to an improved culture medium and method for the enhanced growth and detection of | 06-30-2011 |
20110125314 | METHOD FOR AUTOMATED UNLOADING OF A MICROBIAL DETECTION APPARATUS - The present invention is directed to a method and automated unloading means for unloading a container from an apparatus. The apparatus of the present invention may include a means for automated loading, a means for automated transfer and/or a means for automated unloading of a container (e.g., a specimen container). In one embodiment, the apparatus can be an automated detection apparatus for rapid non-invasive detection of a microbial agent in a test sample. The detection system also including a heated enclosure, a holding means or rack, and/or a detection unit for monitoring and/or interrogating the specimen container to detect whether the container is positive for the presence of a microbial agent. In other embodiment, the automated instrument may include one or more, bar code readers, scanners, cameras, and/or weighing stations to aid in scanning, reading, imaging and weighing of specimen containers within the system. | 05-26-2011 |
20110124096 | AUTOMATED CONTAINER MANAGEMENT DEVICE FOR MICROBIAL DETECTION APPARATUS - The present invention is directed to a method and container locator means for moving a container among one or more work-flow stations within an apparatus. The apparatus of the present invention may include a means for automated loading, a means for automated transfer and/or a means for automated unloading of a container (e.g., a specimen container). In one embodiment, the apparatus can be an automated detection apparatus for rapid non-invasive detection of a microbial agent in a test sample. The detection system also including a heated enclosure, a holding means or rack, and/or a detection unit for monitoring and/or interrogating the specimen container to detect whether the container is positive for the presence of a microbial agent. In other embodiment, the automated instrument may include one or more, bar code readers, scanners, cameras, and/or weighing stations to aid in scanning, reading, imaging and weighing of specimen containers within the system. | 05-26-2011 |
20110124038 | AUTOMATED TRANSFER MECHANISM FOR MICROBIAL DETECTION APPARATUS - The present invention is directed to a method and automated transfer means for transferring a container within an apparatus. The apparatus of the present invention may include a means for automated loading, a means for automated transfer and/or a means for automated unloading of a container (e.g., a specimen container). In one embodiment, the apparatus can be an automated detection apparatus for rapid non-invasive detection of a microbial agent in a test sample. The detection system also including a heated enclosure, a holding means or rack, and/or a detection unit for monitoring and/or interrogating the specimen container to detect whether the container is positive for the presence of a microbial agent. In other embodiment, the automated instrument may include one or more, bar code readers, scanners, cameras, and/or weighing stations to aid in scanning, reading, imaging and weighing of specimen containers within the system. | 05-26-2011 |
20110124030 | AUTOMATED LOADING MECHANISM FOR MICROBIAL DETECTION APPARATUS - The present invention is directed to a method and automated loading mechanism for loading an apparatus. The apparatus of the present invention may include a means for automated loading, a means for automated transfer and/or a means for automated unloading of a container (e.g., a specimen container). In one embodiment, the apparatus can be an automated detection apparatus for rapid non-invasive detection of a microbial agent in a test sample. The detection system also including a heated enclosure, a holding means or rack, and/or a detection unit for monitoring and/or interrogating the specimen container to detect whether the container is positive for the presence of a microbial agent. In other embodiment, the automated instrument may include one or more, bar code readers, scanners, cameras, and/or weighing stations to aid in scanning, reading, imaging and weighing of specimen containers within the system. | 05-26-2011 |
20110124029 | AUTOMATED LOADING MECHANISM FOR MICROBIAL DETECTION APPARATUS - The present invention is directed to a method and automated loading mechanism for loading an apparatus. The apparatus of the present invention may include a means for automated loading, a means for automated transfer and/or a means for automated unloading of a container (e.g., a specimen container). In one embodiment, the apparatus can be an automated detection apparatus for rapid non-invasive detection of a microbial agent in a test sample. The detection system also including a heated enclosure, a holding means or rack, and/or a detection unit for monitoring and/or interrogating the specimen container to detect whether the container is positive for the presence of a microbial agent. In other embodiment, the automated instrument may include one or more, bar code readers, scanners, cameras, and/or weighing stations to aid in scanning, reading, imaging and weighing of specimen containers within the system | 05-26-2011 |
20110124028 | AUTOMATED MICROBIAL DETECTION APPARATUS - A method and automated apparatus for rapid non-invasive detection of a microbial agent in a test sample is described herein. The apparatus may include one or more means for automated loading, automated transfer and/or automated unloading of a specimen container. The apparatus also includes a detection system for receiving a detection container, e.g., container or vial, containing a biological sample and culture media. The detection system may also include one or more heated sources, holding structures or racks, and/or a detection unit for monitoring and/or interrogating the specimen container to detect whether the container is positive for the presence of a microbial agent therein. In other embodiment, the automated instrument may include one or more, bar code readers, scanners, cameras, and/or weighing stations to aid in scanning, reading, imaging and weighing of specimen containers within the system. | 05-26-2011 |
20110033847 | Methods for the characterization of microorganisms on solid or semi-solid media - The present invention relates to methods and systems for scanning, detecting, and monitoring microorganisms on solid or semi-solid media using intrinsic fluorescence (IF) measurements. The methods are further directed to detection, characterization and/or identification of microorganisms on a solid or semi-solid media using intrinsic fluorescence (IF) measurements that are characteristic of said microorganisms. | 02-10-2011 |
20110020921 | Nucleic acid amplification reaction station for disposable test devices - An instrument for conducting nucleic acid amplification reactions in a disposable test device. The test device includes a first reaction chamber containing a first nucleic acid amplification reagent (e.g., primers and nucleotides) and a second reaction chamber either containing, or in fluid communication, with a second nucleic acid amplification reagent (e.g., an amplification enzyme such as RT). The instrument includes a support structure receiving the test device. A temperature control system maintains the first reaction chamber at a first elevated temperature but simultaneously maintains the second nucleic acid amplification reagent at a second temperature lower than the first temperature so as to preserve the second nucleic acid amplification reagent. An actuator operates on a fluid conduit in the test device to place the first and second reaction chambers in fluid communication with each other after a reaction has occurred in the first reaction chamber at the first temperature. A pneumatic system is also provided that assists in fluid transfer of a reaction solution from the first chamber to the second chamber. | 01-27-2011 |
20110003329 | METHOD FOR NEUTRALIZATION OF ANTIBIOTICS IN A CULTURE MEDIUM - The present invention is directed to a method and means for the neutralization, binding, and/or inactivation of antimicrobials in a test sample. The invention is also directed to a method of detecting the presence of one or more microorganisms in a test sample by culturing the test sample in a culture media comprising one or more primary amine-containing compounds. | 01-06-2011 |
20100311108 | System and method for agitation of multiple specimen containers - A system is disclosed for agitating multiple specimen containers each containing a sample and a growth medium. The system includes a plurality of racks. The racks have a plurality of receptacles, each of which is adapted for holding a specimen container. The racks include a first rack oriented in a first direction and a second rack oriented in a second direction different from the first direction. The system also includes a rotating turret having a frame holding the racks. The frame is rotatable about an axis, wherein the rotating turret operates to rotate the racks about the axis to an access position, e.g., where a user may access the specimen containers. The system also includes an agitation assembly coupled to the racks. The agitation assembly rocks the racks back and forth thereby agitating specimen containers held by the racks. In one configuration, the system is incorporated into an automated instrument detecting whether a microbiological agent is present in the specimen container. In another configuration, the system is incorporated into an automated instrument identifying or characterizing the microbiological agent. | 12-09-2010 |
20100291669 | System for rapid identification and/or characterization of a microbial agent in a sample - An automated instrument for identification and/or characterization of a microbial agent present in a sample. The instrument includes (a) a sample removal apparatus operative to remove a test sample from a specimen container and add the test sample to a disposable separation device; (b) a separation and concentration apparatus operative on the separation device to separate the microbial agent from other components which may be present in the test sample and concentrate the microbial agent within the separation device; and (c) a identification and/or characterization module interrogating the concentrated microbial agent to identify and/or characterize the microbial agent. | 11-18-2010 |
20100291619 | Combined detection instrument for culture specimen containers and instrument for identification and/or characterization of a microbial agent in a sample - A detection instrument determines whether a specimen container (e.g., blood culture bottle) is positive for presence of microbial agent growth therein. When the container is deemed positive it is made available (e.g, transferred or exposed to) to an automated instrument performing identification and/or characterization of the microbial agent. The identification and/or characterization instrument removes a portion of the sample from the specimen container and places it into a disposable separation and concentration device. The microbial agent is concentrated via optional selective lysis of non-microbial agent cellular material which may be present and centrifugation. A reading module reads the concentrated microbial agent using spectroscopic methods, e.g., measurements of intrinsic fluorescence. Such interrogation may occur while the microbial agent remains concentrated in the disposable device. | 11-18-2010 |
20100291618 | Methods for rapid identification and/or characterization of a microbial agent in a sample - A method of testing a specimen sample contained within a sealed specimen container. A test sample is removed from the specimen container with a disposable sampling device. Non-microbial agent components of the test sample are lysed, thereby producing a lysed sample. The lysed sample is delivered to a disposable separation device. A microbial agent present in test sample is concentrated within the disposable separation device. The concentrated microbial agent is interrogated, e.g., spectroscopically. | 11-18-2010 |
20100291615 | System and method for automatically venting and sampling a culture specimen container - Apparatus for automated venting and/or sampling of a specimen container having a closure sealing the interior of the specimen container from the environment is disclosed. The apparatus includes a rack holding the specimen container; a venting and/or sampling device having a needle, a chamber in fluid communication with the needle and a port in fluid communication with the chamber; a robotic transfer mechanism moveable relative to the rack; a sample removal apparatus attached to the robotic transfer mechanism having gripping features for gripping the venting device. The sample removal apparatus and robotic transfer mechanism are moveable relative to the specimen container so as to automatically insert the needle of the venting device through the closure of the specimen container to thereby vent the interior of the specimen container and obtain equilibrium between the interior of the specimen container and the atmosphere and withdraw a portion of the sample from the specimen container into the venting and/or sampling device. | 11-18-2010 |
20100288060 | Device for sampling a specimen container - A sampling device for a specimen container having a closure sealing the interior of the specimen container from the environment includes a needle, a body coupled to the needle and defining a chamber in fluid communication with the needle, the body further comprising a port forming an opening in the body, the port in fluid communication with the chamber. A multitude of the sampling devices may be stored in a cassette. The sampling devices may include a second chamber for separation and concentration of a microbial agent present in a sample. In this configuration second chamber is connected to the first chamber via a valve or the like. | 11-18-2010 |
20100285447 | Methods for Antimicrobial Resistance Determination - The present invention relates to methods and systems for determining the antibiotic-resistance status of microorganisms. The invention further provides methods for determining the antibiotic-resistance status of microorganisms in situ within a single system. | 11-11-2010 |
20100136609 | Method for separation, characterization and/or identification of microorganisms using raman spectroscopy - The present invention is directed to a method for separating, characterizing and/or identifying microorganisms in a test sample. The method of the invention comprises an optional lysis step for lysing non-microorganism cells that may be present in a test sample, followed by a subsequent separation step. The method may be useful for the separation, characterization and/or identification of microorganisms from complex samples such as blood-containing culture media. The invention further provides for Raman spectroscopic interrogation of the separated microorganism sample to produce measurements of the microorganism and characterizing and/or identifying the microorganism in the sample using said Raman spectroscopic measurements. | 06-03-2010 |
20100129858 | Method for separation, characterization and/or identification of microorganisms using spectroscopy - The present invention is directed to a method for separating, characterizing and/or identifying microorganisms in a test sample. The method of the invention comprises an optional lysis step for lysing non-microorganism cells that may be present in a test sample, followed by a subsequent separation step. The method may be useful for the separation, characterization and/or identification of microorganisms from complex samples such as blood-containing culture media. The invention further provides for spectroscopic interrogation of the separated microorganism sample to produce measurements of the microorganism and characterizing and/or identifying the microorganism in the sample using said spectroscopic measurements. | 05-27-2010 |
20100129857 | Methods for the isolation and identification of microorganisms - The present invention is directed to a method for separating, characterizing and/or identifying microorganisms in a test sample. The method of the invention comprises an optional lysis step for lysing non-microorganism cells that may be present in a test sample, followed by a subsequent separation step. The method may be useful for the separation, characterization and/or identification of microorganisms from complex samples such as blood-containing culture media. The invention further provides methods for separating, characterizing and/or identifying microorganisms in situ within a single system. | 05-27-2010 |
20100129814 | Method for separation and characterization of microorganisms using identifier agents - The present invention is directed to a method for separating, characterizing and/or identifying microorganisms in a test sample. The method of the invention comprises an optional lysis step for lysing non-microorganism cells that may be present in a test sample, followed by a subsequent separation step. The method may be useful for the separation, characterization and/or identification of microorganisms from complex samples such as blood-containing culture media. The invention further provides for the use of one or more identifier agents and interrogating the microorganism sample and/or said one or more identifier agents to produce measurements which characterizing and/or identifying the microorganism based on the produced measurements and/or the presence or absence of the identifier agent or a metabolized form of the identifier agent in the microorganism sample. | 05-27-2010 |
20100124763 | Method for detection, characterization and/or identification of microorganisms in a sealed container - The present invention provides a method and system for monitoring, detecting, and/or characterizing a biological particle that may be present in a sample. The method may be accomplished in a sealed container by utilizing a first step time-dependent spectroscopic technique to obtain at least two measurements of a growth composition comprising a sample and correlating said measurements for the detection and/or characterization of a biological particle that may be present in the sample. The method further provides for a subsequent step for the separation, characterizion and/or identification of the microorganisms in the sealed container. | 05-20-2010 |
20100120133 | Separation device for use in the separation, characterization and/or identification of microorganisms - The present invention is directed to a separation device or container that can be used in the separation, isolation or pelleting of microorganisms from a test samples known to contain or suspected of containing said microorganisms. Subsequently, the separated, isolated or pelleted microorganism sample can undergo one or more interrogation steps to provide measurements useful for the characterization and/or identification of microorganism. In one aspect of the present invention, the interrogation steps can occur in situ in the separation device or container described herein. | 05-13-2010 |
20100120085 | Method for separation, characterization and/or identification of microorganisms using mass spectrometry - The present invention is directed to a method for separating, characterizing and/or identifying microorganisms in a test sample. The method of the invention comprises an optional lysis step for lysing non-microorganism cells that may be present in a test sample, followed by a subsequent separation step. The method may be useful for the separation, characterization and/or identification of microorganisms from complex samples such as blood-containing culture media. The invention further provides for interrogation of the separated microorganism sample by mass spectrometry to produce a mass spectrum of the microorganism and characterizing and/or identifying the microorganism in the sample using the mass spectrum obtained. | 05-13-2010 |
20100068755 | Method and system for detection and/or characterization of a biological particle in a sample - The present invention provides a method and system for monitoring, detecting, and/or characterizing a biological particle that may be present in a sample whereby the method may be accomplished non-invasively by utilizing a time-dependent spectroscopic technique to obtain at least two measurements of a growth composition comprising a sample and correlating said measurements for the detection and/or characterization of a biological particle, that may be present in the sample. | 03-18-2010 |