SYSTEM FOR RAPID MICROORGANISM IDENTIFICATION AND ANTIMICROBIAL TESTING

摘要

Apparatus for microbiological analysis of a patient sample, comprising: a microorganism extractor; a temporary storage facility; a microorganism identifier; an antimicrobial tester; a thermostatically-controlled incubator; a timer; and sample router(s), for routing: patient sample to the microorganism extractor; extracted microorganisms to the temporary storage facility; microorganisms from the temporary storage facility, patient sample or extracted sample to the microorganism identifier; and microorganisms from the temporary storage facility to the antimicrobial tester. The invention allows microorganism identification without prior need for sample culture, thus giving a significant reduction in the time required between taking a sample and identifying an appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Furthermore, where organisms are identified after their extraction, the invention allows a single non-specific technique to be used for specifically identifying different microorganisms, thus simplifying overall analysis. In addition, results of the identification and antimicrobial testing assays can be analysed by a common technique, which again simplifies the overall analysis.