• Gram-negative bacteria
• Lactic acid bacteria
• Yeast and mold
• Pseudomonas
• Staphylococcus
• Sanitation monitoring
• Shelf-life prediction
• Spoilage flora
• Sterility testing
• Challenge test
• Microbial limits
• Thermophilic counts
• Psychrotrophic counts
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The patent-pending vial has an embedded filter that separates the area were the sample and microorganism are present (incubation zone) from the detection zone. The user introduces the sample by simply opening the screw cap and dropping the sample to the incubation zone.

In the liquid, sample particles mix with media and dyes to yield a non-clear solution. If for example, the sample consists of 1 ml of milk, the solution becomes totally opaque. The detection zone, however, is not influenced by the sample, since only small molecules and ions can diffuse through the filter. Therefore, the detection zone remains clear throughout the test.

The color or fluorescence observed in the detection zone is identical to the corresponding signal in the incubation zone. After the sample is introduced, the detection zone retains the original color since no particles can penetrate it. Throughout the test the detection zone "mirrors" the masked color in the incubation zone, enabling easy and efficient monitoring of the dynamic color changes.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a universal metabolite produced by all microorganisms. The sensor located at the bottom of the vial detects the released CO2. The patent-pending vial contains a transparent, solid sensor that changes color whenever CO2 diffuses into the sensor at the bottom of the vial. Only gases can penetrate the sensor, blocking liquids, microorganisms and particulate matter. The user introduces the sample by simply opening the screw cap and dropping the sample to the incubation zone.

In the liquid, sample particles mix with media and dyes to yield a non-clear solution. The detection zone, however, is not influenced by the sample, since only gases can diffuse through the sensor.

The color of the sensor is dark in sterile vials. As microorganisms grow the sensor turns yellow, indicating CO2 production and metabolic growth. The media at the top does not contain any indicator.

Some of the available applications of the technology include total counts, combination coliform/E. coli, yeast and mold, lactic acid bacteria, challenge tests, enzymatic reactions, fermentation process, growth kinetics for mathematical modeling, effects of inhibitory systems and growth parameters (pH, temperature, nutrients) on growth kinetics. The system can be applied to in-line and environmental sanitation by inserting swabs or sponges directly into the test vials. All segments of various industrial QC can utilize these applications.

The system can provide early detection of various groups of organisms. Problematic areas can be easily identified and monitored. By providing trend analysis and multiple format reports with a simple “click” of the mouse, the system helps management to assure that all critical control points are stable, alerting of any deviation. The system is very simple to operate and can be used by non-microbiologists.