Device and method for use in detecting microorganisms in a sample

摘要

A new device and method to detect the presence of live microorganisms are described. The device employs a liquid phase which supports microbial growth by utilizing appropriate media. A secondary phase which consists of semi-liquid material forms a barrier layer through which only small particles can diffuse and which prevent the presence of any large particles. Noise-free optical measurements are carried out at the barrier layer which are indicative of metabolic changes associated with microbial growth.