| 摘要 |
A process for monitoring microorganisms in a sample comprises introducing said sample into a sealable container together with a nutritive gel medium for growth of said micoorganisms, agitating said container so as to disperse said sample into said medium, allowing said medium to set in said container, and monitoring the growth and/or activity of any microorganisms within said medium, wherein said medium is either thixotropic or pseudoplastic, such that agitation causes the liquefaction thereof. The gel medium is preferably aqueous. The thixotropic or pseudoplastic agent may be a natural gum, a polymer or a mineral. The gel medium, which is preferably transparent or translucent to visible light, may comprise an indicator (preferably one which undergoes a colour change) of microbial metabolism. |
