초록 ▼

The device, which is a multi-element tube, is adapted for receiving a water sample into a first chamber. The sample is then caused to pass through a relatively coarse filter into a second chamber, where the sample contacts a relatively fine second filter on which a portion of the sample is retained.

The device, which is a multi-element tube, is adapted for receiving a water sample into a first chamber. The sample is then caused to pass through a relatively coarse filter into a second chamber, where the sample contacts a relatively fine second filter on which a portion of the sample is retained. A stabilizing agent is added to the second filter so that the sample is maintained for later testing. The device can then be sent, at ambient temperatures, intact and in a sterile, sealed condition, via common carrier to a central laboratory, where the portion of the second filter is removed for testing. Thus, the present device is a simple to use and inexpensive means for conducting microbiological testing of samples from remote sites. It eliminates the need for laboratory personnel to take and filter and/or take and chill and filter a sample at the site of testing and for mobile laboratory testing facilities, or alternatively, the need for special express shipping arrangements for liquid unfiltered water samples.

대표청구항 ▼

A device for receiving a water sample, for retaining bacteria from said sample, for stably maintaining said bacteria for a period of time permitting shipment of said bacteria to a laboratory for later bacterial analysis, and for shipping said device with said bacteria therein to said laboratory, sai

A device for receiving a water sample, for retaining bacteria from said sample, for stably maintaining said bacteria for a period of time permitting shipment of said bacteria to a laboratory for later bacterial analysis, and for shipping said device with said bacteria therein to said laboratory, said device comprising: a first compartment having one end adapted for receiving a water sample; a second compartment removably secured at one end to the other end of said first compartment; filter means secured between said first and second compartment; means for drawing the water sample, positioned in said first compartment, through said filter means and into said second compartment such that bacteria in said sample and a portion of said water sample are absorbed by said filter means; means for adding a bacterio-static nutritional medium to said filter means; said means for adding includes a sealed vial in which said medium is disposed, means for rupturing said vial, and means for directing said medium to said filter means after said vial has been ruptured, whereby said medium contacts said filter means to maintain said bacteria for later analysis; a third compartment movably secured at one end to the other end of said second compartment; and means for positioning said vial such that said vial is disposed between said second and third compartments, said means for rupturing includes urging said third and second compartments into closer engagement, and said means for directing said medium include holding said device with said third compartment uppermost so that said medium, after said vial is ruptured, is urged by gravity toward said pad. A method of use of a device by non-technical persons to take and maintain microbiological samples from water samples taken at a remote site for shipment to a central laboratory for analysis, said method comprising the steps of: (a) removing a first cap from one end of said device; (b) adding a water sample to a first compartment in the device, while holding the device in a first direction; (c) removing a second cap from the other end of said device; (d) replacing the first cap; (e) drawing the water sample into a second compartment through a filter and an absorbent pad, which is removably secured to said filter; (f) retaining a microbiological sample in said filter; (g) draining the water from the second compartment which passed through the filter and pad; (h) replacing the second cap; (i) inverting the device; (j) disposing a vial containing nutritional, bacteriostatic medium in said second compartment; (k) breaking said vial disposed in said second chamber so that said medium is released therefrom, whereby said medium flows toward said pad and is absorbed thereby; (l) disposing said filter in contact with said pad whereby said medium and microbiological sample are in contact with one another such that said microbiological sample is stabilized and maintained for shipment to a laboratory; and (m) shipping said container with said microbiological sample therein to a laboratory for analysis.