Apparatus for culturing and detecting bacteria in human tissue

摘要

An instrument for culturing and detecting the presence of microorganisms in human tissue specimens is disclosed. The instrument includes one or more drawers slidably received within the instrument housing. The drawers include racks for holding and agitating a plurality of specimen containing bottles. The instrument may include a mechanical drive apparatus designed to move the racks in a substantially sinusoidal pattern of motion. The racks are preferably provided with gripping means for removably and repeatably positioning the bottles within the drawer. An optical detection system is also disclosed, in which an optical filter is used to render a photodetector substantially blind to all light other than light emitted by a fluorescent sensor located within the specimen vessel, including excitation light impinging on the sensor. The instrument preferably includes a forced air convection system for warming the interior of the drawers and the specimen vessels held therein.