Device and method for the detection and counting of fluorescent particles on a solid support

Abstract

Abstract Device for detecting and counting particles which are fluorescent or made fluorescent, carried by a solid support, and a process for detecting said particles by means of said device. The device for detecting and counting particles which are normally present or may be contained in the form of contaminants in a liquid or gas fluid, or in a product in particular a food or hygenic product, by fluorimetry, comprises a light source (10), means for focusing(12) a beam from said light source and at least one means for detecting (40) the fluorescent light emitted by the particles present (60), and also comprises: a support (50) suitable for collecting particles which are naturally fluorescent or have been made fluorescent by means of at least one suitable stain chosen from the group which comprises the vital stains, the stains with a positive viability and fluorescent substances carried by antibodies and/or nucleic probes; means for scanning (21, 31, 35) the totality of the support surface to be analysed by said light beam; and a microprocessor (45) provided with at least one means for recording and counting simultaneously electrical signals transmitted by the detection device(s) (40) and the scanning system (21, 31, 35).

Inventors

• 👤 Michel Van Hoegaerden

Bibliographic Details