Reagentless detection of microorganisms by intrinsic fluorescence

Quick and accurate detection of microbial contamination is accomplished by a unique combination of leading-edge technologies described in this and the accompanying paper. In this contribution, a hand-held prototype instrument is described which is capable of statistically sampling the environment for microbial contamination and determining cell viability. The technology is sensitive enough to detect very low levels (similar to20 cells/cm(2) or cm(3)) of microbes in seconds. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.