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System for detecting bacterial growth in a plurality of culture vials

  • US 5,397,709 A
  • Filed: 08/27/1993
  • Issued: 03/14/1995
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/27/1993
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method for monitoring bacterial growth in a plurality of sample vials comprising the steps of:

  • (1) disposing a plurality of sample vials in a bacterial growth detection system;

    (2) positioning a bacterial growth detection station on a moving frame mounted in said bacterial growth detection system, said bacterial growth detection station being capable of gathering information for making a determination of whether each of said vials is experiencing bacterial growth;

    (3) moving said bacterial growth detection station adjacent to each of said vials, and making a determination of whether the particular vial is experiencing bacterial growth;

    (4) providing said bacterial growth detection station with the capability of gathering a first and second type of information for making a determination of whether each of said vials is experiencing bacterial growth, wherein said second type of information is provided by a sensor in each of said vials; and

    (5) providing said bacterial growth detection station with a first light radiation source at a first location, a detector at a second location spaced from said first location by a first distance, and a pair of light stubs spaced by a distance which approximates said first distance and positioned adjacent to each of said vials, and directing said first light radiation into one of said stubs, and the other of said stubs directing a reflected radiation out of a sample vial and into said detector to provide said first type of information with regard to whether the sample vial is experiencing bacterial growth.

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