Detecting biological activities in culture vials

摘要

An apparatus for detecting microorganisms in a plurality of sealable containers adapted to sustain microorganism growth includes a single light source such as a laser with a two-dimensional laser deflector directing an output beam component from the laser serially towards each of the containers. A sensor is spread along an inner surface of the containers. The selective emission of a sensor is monitored to determine whether biological activity is present in a container. A disclosed embodiment includes the use of a high-frequency modulator and decay time sensors. Biological activity is determined by monitoring the decay time of the sensors.