Method for direct inoculation of a broth from a source suspension
Inventors
Hansen, Timothy Roy • Kleefstra, Martijn • Bois, Michael • Wiles, Timothy M. • Cheung Yu, Charles Chak
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12038359-B2
Publication Date
2024-07-16
Expiration Date
Abstract
An automated method for preparing a sample suspension. The sample suspension can be used for both MALDI and antimicrobial susceptibility (AST). A suspension is prepared, and a portion of that suspension is removed for a first analysis (e.g. MALDI), leaving a remaining volume. The turbidity of the remaining volume is measured. If the turbidity is below a first threshold, the suspension is not used for a second analysis (e.g. AST) and is subjected to a concentration protocol to raise the turbidity of the suspension. If the turbidity is within a predetermined range, a volume of the suspension is calculated that will deliver a predetermined amount of sample to a vessel for the second analysis. If the turbidity of the suspension is above the predetermined range, and the suspension has not been diluted a predetermined number of times, the suspension is diluted according to a dilution protocol.
Core Innovation
The invention concerns automated preparation of a shared microbial suspension for MALDI identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST). The method distinguishes mucoid from non-mucoid samples and uses measured turbidity to calculate a suspension volume intended to deliver a predetermined amount of biological sample to culture medium. The described approach does not require turbidity standardization.
The supplied partial content does not include the background section, so the problem being solved is not explicitly described in patent. It describes sample preparation for MALDI identification and AST, including use of a calculated inoculation volume based on measured turbidity and a predetermined target. The supplied content also reports testing outcomes, but does not provide the background discussion explaining the need for the invention.
Claims Coverage
The supplied claims identify one independent claim, claim 1, with three main inventive features concerning sample classification and turbidity assessment, calculation of inoculation volume, and application of that volume to culture medium.
Sample classification and turbidity assessment
The independent claim covers determining whether a biological sample is suspected to be mucoid or non-mucoid and measuring the turbidity of the corresponding biological sample suspension.
Calculation of inoculation volume
The independent claim covers calculating the suspension volume required to inoculate culture medium, based on the measured turbidity, a predetermined target turbidity, and the volume associated with delivering a predetermined amount of biological sample.
Delivery to culture medium
The independent claim covers depositing the calculated suspension volume onto culture medium. Dependent claims further address turbidity adjustment by concentration or dilution, repeat conditions, volume limits, and Streptococcus as a possible sample entity.
The independent claim combines sample classification and turbidity measurement with calculation and delivery of a suspension volume for culture medium. Dependent claims refine turbidity adjustment and related conditions.
Stated Advantages
The approach calculates the inoculation volume without requiring turbidity standardization.
The reported E. coli testing shows exact MIC agreement between calculated-volume inoculation and standardized-turbidity methods.
The reported E. coli samples fall within the target AST broth concentration range.
Documented Applications
Preparation of a shared microbial suspension for MALDI identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST).
A system schematic connects sample preparation with MALDI, AST, blood-culture, data-management, and laboratory-information systems.
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