SOLUTIONS

MIT 1000

MIT 1000 System MIT 1000 from Micro Identification Technologies (MIT) is a laser-based, rapid microbial identification system capable of identifying 23 different species of pathogenic bacteria – just minutes after culturing. Due to the small sample volume required, culture time is also reduced by up to 50% compared to standard testing procedures. In most cases, results can be obtained in as little as eight hours from the time the culturing process begins.

The device uses the principles of light scattering to discriminate various bacteria cells that are suspended in filtered water. Incident laser light both reflects off the bacteria’s outer surface and penetrates the body of the bacterium, the light interacts with any structural features and eventually emerges from inside the cell. These light patterns are unique for each species and thereby create a signature that is captured and stored in a computer data base.

Scattering example The MIT 1000 features 35 photo detectors that surround the sample vial and collect light scattering intensities that are generated when a cell intersects the laser beam. The scattering values collected by the detectors are statistically analyzed by MIT’s proprietary software that contains an extensive database of values for each bacteria seen by the photo detectors. Identification occurs when 10-50 organisms are analyzed, and typically takes less than 10 minutes.

The value of this system is high when compared to other testing methods. The cost per test (after culturing) is estimated to be approximately ten cents*, compared to an average rapid identification cost of $2.85**.

* Does not include replacement of re-usable parts.

** As reported by Strategic Consulting, Inc.