| abstract |
A sample of material to be tested for the presence of biologically active agents, such as bacteria, is introduced into a sealable container partially filled with a culture medium comprising a 13C-labeled fermentable substrate, the remainder of the container being filled with a culture gas, the container and its contents are subjected to conditions conducive to biological activity for a predetermined period sufficient for fermentation of the medium to produce carbon dioxide after which the ratio of 13CO2 to 12CO2 in the culture gas in the container is determined and compared to the initial ratio of 13CO2 to 12CO2 in the culture gas in order to detect any differences indicating the presence of biologically active agents in the sample. |