FLOW CYTOMETRY-BASED SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING MICROBES

摘要

In various embodiments, the present disclosure describes methods and systems for detecting microbes in a sample. The methods are generally applicable to quantifying the number of target bacteria in a sample counted from a detection region of a flow cytometer histogram. The detection methods can be employed in the presence of other microorganisms and other non-target microbe components to selectively quantify the amount of a target microbe. The methods are advantageous over those presently existing for testing of foodstuffs and diagnostic evaluation in their speed, accuracy and ease of use. Various swab collection devices and kits useful for practicing the present disclosure are also described herein.

主权项

1. A method for optimizing the performance of a flow cytometer, said method comprising:
a) increasing a sensitivity of at least one detection channel on the flow cytometer by increasing a gain on the at least detection one channel; b) assigning a signal threshold values for each at least one detection channels; c) subjecting particles to flow cytometer analysis; d) collecting raw data from the flow cytometer for a time range; wherein the time range comprises a plurality of intervals; and wherein the raw data comprises signals and non-signals for each at least one detection channel; and e) analyzing the raw data from each of the plurality of intervals to provide processed data; wherein analyzing comprises: eliminating raw data from each of the plurality of intervals in which the signals do not exceed the assigned signal threshold for each at least one detection channel; and selecting raw data from each of the plurality of intervals in which the signals do exceed the assigned signal threshold for each at least one detection channel.