초록 ▼

A diagnostic microbiological testing system and method for microorganism identification (ID) and antimicrobial susceptibility determinations (AST). The system includes multiple-well test panels capable of performing ID and AST testing on the same test panel. Each test panel is inoculated with reagen

A diagnostic microbiological testing system and method for microorganism identification (ID) and antimicrobial susceptibility determinations (AST). The system includes multiple-well test panels capable of performing ID and AST testing on the same test panel. Each test panel is inoculated with reagents, broth-suspended organisms, and placed into the instrument system. The instrument system includes a rotating carousel for incubation and indexing, multiple light sources each emitting different wavelength light, precision calorimetric and fluorometric detection, barcode test panel tracking and a control processor for making determinations based on measured test data. One light source includes a plurality of LEDs arranged in a linear array. Each of the LEDs' junction currents are controllable to produce a predetermined illumination profile.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A diagnostic microbiological testing apparatus, comprising:a carousel assembly adapted to mount a plurality of test panels each having a plurality of wells for receiving a test inoculum fluid for producing a reaction;a plurality of light sources capable of directing light

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A diagnostic microbiological testing apparatus, comprising:a carousel assembly adapted to mount a plurality of test panels each having a plurality of wells for receiving a test inoculum fluid for producing a reaction;a plurality of light sources capable of directing light of predetermined wavelengths toward the wells of the test panels to cause the wells to emit or absorb light based on the reaction of the test inoculum fluid;a light detection unit disposed opposing said light sources, with at least one test panel being positioned between said light sources and said light detection unit, said light detection unit for detecting the light emitted from, or absorbed by, the wells of the at least one test panel, wherein said carousel assembly rotates continuously during testing to position each of the test panels between said light sources and said light detection unit to permit light emitted from, or absorbed by, the wells of the test panels to be detected by said light detection unit as the test panels move past said light sources; anda controller adapted to receive a plurality of signals generated by said light detection unit, each signal respectively corresponding to the light detected from a respective well, said controller for determining a test result for each well based on the respective signal.