Method for simultaneously and automatically analyzing microorganisms in a sample using filter cytometry

A method for simultaneously and automatically quantifying a number of microorganisms in an aqueous sample of a plurality of aqueous samples using filter cytometry, comprising the steps of:

• a) applying a predetermined volume of a sample of the plurality of samples on a first filter at a first location;
• b) moving the first filter from the first location to a second location;
• c) applying processing fluids for staining the microorganisms on the first filter with one or more labels at the second location;
• d) moving the first filter from the second location to a third location;
• e) imaging the bound labels on a surface of the first filter at the third location;
• f) quantifying the number of microorganisms on the first filter;
• and
• g) automatically moving the first filter between the first location and the second location and between the second location and the third location at the conclusion of each of the steps a) and c), respectively, in a device comprising a displacement means arranged to move a plurality of filter holders between each processing modules for automatic filter cytometry,
• wherein automatically moving the first filter between the first location to the second location comprises simultaneously moving a second filter to the first location, and
• wherein at least steps a) and c) are performed simultaneously on each of the second filter and the first filter, respectively.