System and method for detecting, enumerating, or extracting microorganisms in a sample

Abstract

A system and method for detecting, enumerating, or extracting microorganisms in a sample is disclosed. Target microorganisms, such as Salmonella bacteria, may be of interest. Magnetic beads may be bound to the target microorganisms. After which, the bead-bound cells may be isolated. For example, a magnetic field may be applied in order to separate the target cells (with the magnetic beads attached thereto) and move then to a predetermined section of the well. Agar, or other immobilizing agent, may be added to the wells in order to immobilize the target cells. After which, the target cells are incubated and periodically analyzed to determine whether the target cells are growing, thereby indicating that the microorganisms are contained within the well.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.