Akzo N.v.

James L Di Guiseppi

Thurman C Thorpe

James E Turner

Richard C Driscoll

An instrument for monitoring the color change of an indicator element sealed within a sterile vessel and exhibiting a color change in response to a change in the pH of CO.sub.2 level within the sterile vessel as a result of microbacterial growth within a specimen contained in the sterile vessel. The present invention includes means for continuously monitoring the absolute value of the pH and or CO.sub.2 level within the vessel and or monitoring the rate of change of the absolute value of the pH level.

Apparatus and method for detection of microorganisms

An instrument and a sealable, sterilizable vessel for detecting the presence of microorganisms in a specimen, the vessel containing a liquid culture medium and a sensor means with an indicator medium therein. Changes in the indicator medium resulting from pH change or change in CO.sub.2 concentration in the medium are detected from outside the vessel.

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Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America

James L Di Guiseppi