System and method for rapid detection and characterization of bacterial colonies using forward light scattering

A method comprising:

• providing at least one colony of microorganisms on a solid substrate;
• providing a radiation path;
• placing the at least one colony in the radiation path;
• detecting radiation that has been forward scattered by the at least one colony;
• obtaining an image of a forward scattered radiation pattern by a film or electronic imaging optical detector;
• and
• analyzing the image.

A method of characterizing a bacterial colony, the method comprising:

• providing a bacterial colony on a solid substrate;
• providing a light source directed to the bacterial colony;
• providing a film or electronic imaging optical detector for receiving forward scattered light from the light source directed through the bacterial colony;
• detecting a forward scattered light pattern on the detector;
• obtaining an image of the forward scattered light pattern;
• analyzing the image of the forward scattered light pattern received on the detector;
• and
• taxonomically identifying the bacterial colony based on the image.

A system for the characterization of at least one colony of microorganisms comprising:

• a light source;
• a solid substrate having a surface adapted for growth of colonies of microorganisms positioned such that light from the light source is directed to the at least one colony grown on the solid substrate;
• and
• a film or electronical imaging optical detector disposed to obtain an image of a forward scattered light pattern from the light source directed to the at least one colony.