Counting Bacteria and Determining Their Susceptibility to Antibiotics

Abstract

A method for detecting and counting particles suspended in fluids, such as bacteria suspended in urine, utilizing dynamic features of the suspended particles and employing light scattering measurements. The disclosed method is suitable for determining the susceptibility of bacteria to antibiotics. A cuvette for detecting bacteria in fluids, which is especially suited for the light scattering measurements, is provided.

1 - 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . A cuvette for detecting bacteria comprising at least one window transparent at least to light of a specified range of wavelengths, wherein the root mean square (RMS) value of a surface roughness of said window does not exceed one nanometer, and wherein changes in the values of the refraction index within said window do not exceed 0.0001. 
     
     
         14 . A cuvette for detecting bacteria comprising at least one window transparent at least to light of a specified range of wavelengths, wherein a thickness of said window does not exceed 500 microns. 
     
     
         15 . A cuvette as in  claim 13 , wherein a light obscuring means is disposed at said at least one window. 
     
     
         16 . A cuvette as in  claim 13 , wherein an aperture in a diaphragm is disposed in said at least one cuvette. 
     
     
         17 . A cuvette as in  claim 13 , further comprising a compartment for containing a chemo-effector. 
     
     
         18 . A cuvette as in  claim 14 , wherein a light obscuring means is disposed at said at least one window. 
     
     
         19 . A cuvette as in  claim 14 , wherein an aperture in a diaphragm is disposed in said at least one cuvette. 
     
     
         20 . A cuvette as in  claim 14 , further comprising a compartment for containing a chemo-effector.