Apparatus and method for liquid sample testing

A method for performing a liquid sample testing comprising the steps of:

• providing a liquid sample testing device including:
• a lid;
• and
• a base operatively engagable with the lid to form an integrated unit, the base including:
• a sample receiving well having a depth;
• a plurality of capillary channels extending radially from the sample receiving well, each capillary channel having a depth which is less than the depth of the sample receiving well and being in direct fluid communication with the sample receiving well;
• a target well formed at the end of each capillary channel, each target well having a depth greater than the depth of the capillary channel and being in direct fluid communication with the at least one capillary channel, the target well being configured and dimensioned for determining the presence and amount of microorganisms in the liquefied sample;
• and
• an overflow well, the overflow well being in direct fluid communication with each target well via a run-off channel extending between each target well and the overflow well;
• providing a medium carried in at least one of the sample receiving well and each discrete target well;
• introducing a quantity of a liquid sample into the sample receiving well, wherein capillary action assists in causing the liquid sample to travel from the sample receiving well into the at least one capillary channel wherein the liquid sample is subsequently partitioned into the discrete target well and at least a portion of the liquefied sample is caused to remain in the discrete target well for determining the presence and amount of microorganisms in the liquefied sample and wherein excess liquefied sample is caused to be deposited in the overflow well;
• incubating the testing device at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined amount of time for a particular test;
• and
• analyzing microbial concentrations in the liquefied sample.

A method of partitioning a liquefied sample for determining an amount of microorganisms in a liquefied sample comprising:

• providing a device including:
• a bottom member having at least one discrete reaction compartment;
• a top member disposed adjacent the bottom member;
• a sample receiving well positioned in a central region relative to the top and bottom members;
• at least one channel member at least partially defined by at least one of the top and bottom members, each channel member having a first end portion in direct fluid communication with the sample receiving well and a second end portion in direct fluid communication with a discrete reaction compartment;
• the at least one channel member extending radially outward from the central region;
• an overflow well in direct fluid communication with the discrete reaction compartments;
• and
• a vent opening;
• introducing a portion of the liquefied sample to the sample receiving well, whereby capillary action assists in causing a portion of the liquefied sample to travel from the first end portion to the second end portion of the at least one channel member, wherein the liquefied sample is subsequently partitioned into said discrete reaction compartment and at least a portion of the liquefied sample is caused to remain in the reaction compartment;
• and wherein excess liquefied sample is caused to be deposited in the overflow well;
• and
• analyzing microbial concentrations in the liquefied sample.