Frame for holding filtration assemblies and testing unit for microbiological testing

A frame (1) for holding a plurality of filtration assemblies (100) for microbiological testing, wherein the frame (1) comprises:

• an array of supports (5) wherein each array of supports are positioned and suitable to receive and support one of the filtration assemblies (100) on a common support plane (2),
• a connector (6) provided on a periphery (7) of the frame (1) and configured to releasably connect, by a form-locking engagement, a further frame (1) such that common support planes (2) of the connected frames (1) are contiguous, and
• a plurality of filtration assemblies (100), wherein filtration assemblies (100) comprise
• a membrane support,
• a drain member attached to the underside of the membrane support,
• a reservoir attached to the upper side of the membrane support, and
• a lid attached to a top opening of the reservoir;
• and
• a spacer (35) positioned and suitable to raise the support plane (2) above a work surface and to define a space (37) on the underside of the frame (1),
• wherein the spacer (35) is formed as a peripheral skirt (36) of the frame (1) and the skirt (36) includes one or more opening(s) (38) that provide(s) communication between the outer periphery of the frame (1) and the space (37) defined on the underside of the frame (1) to allow an air flow to the openings of the supports (5).