Universal test systems and methods of use thereof for identifying multiple families of microorganisms
AssigneeDade MicroScan Inc.
InventorsJames H. Godsey, Daniel M. Nothaft
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a universal test systems and methods of use thereof for identifying a microorganism among at least two groups of widely divergent microorganisms. The universal test system comprises a predetermined combination of non-redundant biochemical tests comprising a substrate for at least one enzyme wherein the substrate, if acted on by the enzyme results in formation of a detectable product. Detectable products from the combination of biochemical tests are then used to identify the microorganism.
Claims28
A test system for identifying a microorganism in a sample, wherein the test system is capable of identifying that microorganism from among at least two groups of widely divergent microorganisms which may be present in such a sample and wherein the test system comprises:
- a predetermined combination of non-redundant biochemical tests disposed in a predetermined number of reaction chambers, wherein each biochemical test comprises a substrate for an enzyme or a group of enzymes, and further wherein the substrate, if acted on by the enzyme or group of enzymes, results in the formation of a detectable product in the reaction chamber;
- and
- wherein the detectable products from the combination of biochemical tests are used to identify the microorganism in the sample.
A test for detecting carbon source utilization by a microorganism, wherein the test comprises at least one carbon source and at least one fluorometric indicator, wherein the microorganism acts on the carbon source to produce a pH change which causes a change in fluoresence of the indicator, the change in fluoresence being indicative of carbon source utilization by the microorganism.
A test system for identifying a microorganism in a sample, wherein the test system is capable of identifying that microorganism from among at least two groups of widely divergent microorganisms which may be present in such a sample and wherein the test system comprises:
- a predetermined combination of non-redundant biochemical tests comprising fluorescent tests, colorimetric test or a combination thereof, the test being disposed in a predetermined number of reaction chambers, wherein each biochemical test comprises a substrate for an enzyme or a group of enzymes, and further wherein the substrate, if acted on by the enzyme or group of enzymes, result in the formation of a detectable product in the reaction chamber, and
- wherein the detectable products from the combination of biochemical tests are used to identify the microorganism, wherein the predetermined combination of non-redundant tests are preformed within about 15 minutes to about 8 hours.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.