MICROORGANISM DETECTION APPARATUS AND METHOD

摘要

An apparatus for the rapid one-step detection of microorganisms e.g. Salmonella comprising a clear plastic main chamber (1) filled with a liquid nonselective growth medium (7) which communicates with a clear plastic side arm (5). The side arm (5) is plugged by a filtering layer of agar (8) and filled with semi-solid selective growth medium (9). An indicator disc (10) impregnated with antibody is set in the selective medium (9) such that a quantity of antibody diffuses away to form an antibody zone (11). A sample (12) is incubated in the nonselective medium (7) in order to resuscitate dormant microorganisms which multiply and pass into the minor chamber (5) and migrate through the agar (8) into the selective medium (9). The growth of the organism extends visibly around the disc (10) and into the zone (11) where the antibody inhibits growth so as to leave a relatively clear area which thereby confirms the presence of microorganisms in the sample (12).