TAC: Total Aerobic Count Vial

The Total Aerobic Count vial’s sensor detects production of CO2 by microorganisms, based upon the principle that CO2 is a universal metabolite produced by all microorganisms. The disposable vial contains a transparent solid sensor located at the bottom which changes its optical properties whenever CO2 diffuses into it. Only gases can penetrate the sensor; blocking liquids, microorganisms, and particulate matter. Consequently, the optical readings are not masked by the sample. CO2 generated by bacterial metabolism in the liquid medium diffuses into the sensor and interacts with an indicator reagent to provide an indication of the presence of the carbon dioxide. The vial utilizes a nutritious non selective medium.

YM: Yeast and Mold Vial

The Yeast and Mold vial’s sensor detects production of CO2 by all yeast and molds. The disposable vial contains a transparent solid sensor located at the bottom which changes its optical properties whenever CO2 diffuses into it. Only gases can penetrate the sensor; blocking liquids, microorganisms, and particulate matter. Consequently, the optical readings are not masked by the sample. CO2 generated by microbial metabolism in the liquid medium diffuses into the sensor and interacts with an indicator reagent to provide an indication of the presence of the carbon dioxide. The medium relays on the utilization of glucose, with a pH=6.0 and contains inhibitors against bacterial growth.

ENT: Enterobacteriaceae Vial

The Enterobacteriaceae vial is a membrane vial (a membrane filter is used to separate the Incubation Zone where microorganisms may be present from the reading zone where detections occur), monitoring a change in color due to a pH shift as Enterobacteriaceae organisms ferment glucose in the presence of a highly selective media.

CC: Coliform Vial

The Coliform vial is a membrane vial (a membrane filter is used to separate the Incubation Zone where microorganisms may be present from the reading zone where detections occur), monitoring a change in color due to a pH shift as coliform bacteria ferment lactose in the presence of a highly selective media.

EC: E. coli Vial

The E. coli vial membrane vial (a membrane filter is used to separate the Incubation Zone where microorganisms may be present from the reading zone where detections occur), monitoring the utilization of MUG (4-Methylumbelliferyl-3-D-Glucuronide) by E. coli (enzymatic reaction). The medium is highly selective for the detection of E. coli. MUG is the most commonly used fluorogenic substrate for the detection of E. coli. It detects the activity of glucuronidase by E. coli.

STA: Staphylococcus Vial

The Staphylococcus vial is a membrane vial (a membrane filter is used to separate the Incubation Zone where microorganisms may be present from the reading zone where detections occur); A selective medium containing Mannitol as the main carbon source monitoring changes in color due to pH shift as Staphylococcus utilize the sugar and produces acid.

PSE: Pseudomonas Vial

The Pseudomonas vial’s sensor detects production of CO2. The disposable vial contains a transparent solid sensor located at the bottom which changes its optical properties whenever CO2 diffuses into it. Only gases can penetrate the sensor; blocking liquids, microorganisms, and particulate matter. Consequently, the optical readings are not masked by the sample. CO2 generated by Pseudomonas metabolism in the liquid medium diffuses into the sensor and interacts with an indicator reagent to provide an indication of the presence of the carbon dioxide. The highly selective medium, inhibits gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria other than Pseudomonas spp, and relays on the utilization of Glycerol the main energy source.

SAL: Salmonella Vial

The Salmonella vial’s sensor detects production of CO2. The disposable vial contains a transparent solid sensor located at the bottom which changes its optical properties whenever CO2 diffuses into it. Only gases can penetrate the sensor; blocking liquids, microorganisms, and particulate matter. Consequently, the optical readings are not masked by the sample. CO2 generated by Salmonella metabolism in the liquid medium diffuses into the sensor and interacts with an indicator reagent to provide an indication of the presence of the carbon dioxide. The selective medium inhibits all gram-positive organisms and many gram-negative organisms.

GN: Gram Negative Vial

The Gram Negative vial is a membrane vial, monitoring the utilization of a unique fluorescent dye in the presence of selective media that inhibits the growth of gram-positive bacteria.

MC: Microbial Limit Vial

The Microbial Limit vial’s sensor detects production of CO2 by microorganisms, based upon the principle that CO2 is a universal metabolite produced by all microorganisms. The disposable vial contains a transparent solid sensor located at the bottom which changes its optical properties whenever CO2 diffuses into it. Only gases can penetrate the sensor; blocking liquids, microorganisms, and particulate matter. Consequently, the optical readings are not masked by the sample. CO2 generated by bacterial metabolism in the liquid medium diffuses into the sensor and interacts with an indicator reagent to provide an indication of the presence of the carbon dioxide. The vial utilizes a nutritious non-selective medium and contains Tween and lecithin.

LAB: Lactobacillus Vial

The Lactobacillus vial’s sensor detects production of CO2. The disposable vial contains a transparent solid sensor located at the bottom which changes its optical properties whenever CO2 diffuses into it. Only gases can penetrate the sensor; blocking liquids, microorganisms, and particulate matter. Consequently, the optical readings are not masked by the sample. CO2 generated by Lactic Acid Bacteria metabolism in the liquid medium diffuses into the sensor and interacts with an indicator reagent to provide an indication of the presence of the carbon dioxide. The selective medium with a modified MRS is utilized.

Versatile Monitoring using the Membrane Vial

The patent-pending Membrane Vial has an embedded filter that separates the incubation zone (area where the sample and microorganism are present) from the reading zone. The sample is introduced simply by opening the screw cap and inserting the sample into the incubation zone.

Universal Metabolite CO2 Sensor

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 CO2 sensor vial contains a transparent, solid sensor near the bottom of the vial that changes color whenever CO2 diffuses into the sensor. 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 into the incubation zone.

Learn More:

• Assays: details of available BioLumix assays
• Vials: overview of the function of Membrane and CO2 Vials
• Products: overview of BioLumix Products
• Technology: overview of BioLumix Technology