Combined rapid susceptibility assay and microorganism identification system

Abstract

In response to the need for highly-sensitive antibiotic susceptibility assays and identification assays that do not require extensive incubation times, the present invention provides automated assay methods and systems that permit the determination of antibiotic susceptibilities and/or microorganism identification in a timeframe that is substantially shorter than has previously been attainable using a hybrid system that combines turbimetric and fluorescence determinations using a single, clear-plastic assay platform. Related devices, kits, and components thereof are also disclosed.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 553,223, filed Apr. 20, 2000, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, which claims priority of provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 131,829 filed Apr. 29, 1999, entitled “Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing Methods and Devices” and provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 137,819 filed on May 27, 1999, entitled“Antibiotic Susceptibility and Microbial Identification Testing Methods and Systems”.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] A combined anti-microbial susceptibility testing and microorganism identification platform is disclosed. Specifically, the combined anti-microbial susceptibility testing and microorganism identification platform disclosed herein is a hands-free walk-away system ideally suited for clinical microbiology laboratories. More specifically, the automated, combined anti-microbial susceptibility testing and microorganism identification platform ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0024] The within-disclosed methods differ from those in the art in at least four important respects. First, a hybrid panel concept is utilized, in which samples are assayed via fluorescent as well as turbidimetric means and methods. Second, a modified clear plastic panel is disclosed for the simultaneous assay of samples via fluorescent identi

Problems solved by technology

However, life threatening and debilitating systemic and localized microbial infections remains a major healthcare problem.

Mortality resulting from infectious agents remains particularly high among infants, the elderly, the immunosuppressed, patients in long-term care facilities, and skilled nursing homes, Moreover, the emergence of multi-drug resistance organisms such as vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE) and methacillin resistant Staphylococcus aureaus (MRSA) have increased the challenges of caring for hospitalized patients.

Hospital acquired infections (nosocomial infections) caused by organisms such as VRE, MRSA and pseudomonas add significantly to patient suffering, increased hospital stays, iatrogenic mortality, and increased healthcare costs.

Drug resistance, specifically antibiotic resistance, often occurs when the antibiotic used to treat an infection is either improperly selected, prescribed in a fashion that does not effectively eradicate the infectious agent, or as a result of poor patient compliance.

Furthermore, when ineffective or unnecessary antibiotics are prescribed any infecting bacteria present continues to multiply unabated often resulting in life threatening complications necessitating expensive, aggressive treatments including otherwise needless hospitalization.

However, stains are largely non-specific and seldom definitive.

However, most clinical samples taken directly from infected patients are contaminated and contain PCR inhibitors.

Furthermore, PCR a

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