Microbial detection system and methods

Abstract

The disclosure provides culture devices and methods for a microorganism in a sample. The devices include a base member, a cover sheet, an adhesive layer coupled to the base member or the cover sheet, and a cold water-soluble gelling agent disposed on the base member; wherein the devices are substantially optically transmissive when the gelling agent is hydrated with a clear liquid. Methods of use include detecting or enumerating microorganisms. The methods further provide for detecting a microorganism by detecting the presence or size of an abiogenic gas bubble in a culture device.

1 . A device for detecting microorganisms, comprising:
 a base member;   a cover layer;   a cold water soluble gelling agent disposed on the adhesive layer   wherein the device is substantially optically transmissible when the gelling agent is hydrated with a clear aqueous liquid.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a first adhesive layer coupled to one of the base member or the cover layer. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , further comprising a second adhesive layer coupled to the other of the base member or cover layer. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 2 , further comprising an optical filter layer or a contrast layer. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the optical haze of the culture device after hydration of the device with a clear aqueous liquid is ≦95% when measured according to ASTM 1003. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the optical clarity of the culture device after hydration of the device with a clear aqueous liquid is ≧10% when measured according to ASTM 1003.