초록 ▼

Use of a disposable filtration capsule with a non-occluded membrane filter element in the place of a standard spiral wound cartridge allows for the more rapid and quantitative filtration, recovery, and quantitation of microorganisms in liquid, particularly surface waters, well water, tap water, and

Use of a disposable filtration capsule with a non-occluded membrane filter element in the place of a standard spiral wound cartridge allows for the more rapid and quantitative filtration, recovery, and quantitation of microorganisms in liquid, particularly surface waters, well water, tap water, and the like. The capsule allows a severe reduction in the water sample size tested, substantially minimizes risks of cross-contamination, and provides a leak-proof vessel for shipment. Risk of infection of laboratory personnel and time of analysis are both reduced. Costs of measuring contamination by microorganisms such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium is lowered significantly while increasing the accuracy and dependability of the measurement.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A disposable filtration capsule suitable for use in the quantitation of targeted microorganisms in a microorganism-containing fluid sample, said disposable filtration capsule comprising:a) a polymeric housing having an inner surface, a sealable sample inlet and a sealable

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A disposable filtration capsule suitable for use in the quantitation of targeted microorganisms in a microorganism-containing fluid sample, said disposable filtration capsule comprising:a) a polymeric housing having an inner surface, a sealable sample inlet and a sealable outlet;b) a filter element having an upstream side and a downstream side, the filter element comprising a pleated membrane having a filter volume, an upstream side and a downstream side, the membrane also having a pore size such that a smallest targeted microorganism is substantially retained by said membrane, said membrane positioned between said sample inlet and said outlet such that fluid entering said sample inlet and exiting said outlet must flow through said membrane, a space between said membrane and said sample inlet defining an upstream, microorganism-retaining cavity, said membrane supported on its downstream side by a macroporous polymeric support, said membrane not having any occluding surface on its upstream side which would interfere with resuspension of microorganisms deposited on said membrane during filtering;c) a distinct, elution-effective void volume having a geometrical volume which is at least 2.2.times. the filter volume of said membrane, said distinct, elution-effective void volume being capable of containing a sufficient volume of elution solution and allowing for sufficient agitation to resuspend microorganisms deposited on the membrane during filtering;d) optionally, an air purge valve communicating through said polymeric housing with said upstream, microorganism-retaining cavity;e) optionally, a non-occluding mesh of suitable material fitting over the upstream side of the membrane such that the membrane when wet cannot substantially contact the inner surface of the housing causing an occlusion.