IMPROVED OPTICAL DETECTION SYSTEM FOR APPARATUS TO CULTURE AND DETECT BACTERIA IN HUMAN TISSUE

摘要

An improved optical system for use in an instrument for culturing and detecting the presence of microorganisms in human tissue specimens is disclosed. The improved optical detection system is designed to reduce unwanted noise by substantially blocking all light other than light from a sensor positioned on an inside wall of a culture bottle from reaching the photodetector. A control circuit providing a "lock-in" detection system designed to reduce unwanted noise is also disclosed. The detection system is capable of rapidly and automatically detecting whether a specimen bottle has been inserted into the instrument.