| abstract |
The invention relates to a device (70) and to a method for the automatic detection of particles (13), in particular biological particles such as microorganisms. The device features a means for attaching the particles (13) to separation particle bodies capable of being attached selectively to the particles, a means for extracting the separation particle bodies (16) with attached particles (13) from a collection fluid (40), and a detection unit (84) for recording a number and/or concentration of the particles (13) separated in this manner. The means for attaching the particles (13) to the separation particle bodies is a collecting means (72) for collecting the particles (13) from a particle/fluid mixture (39, 134) to be tested, which means is capable of allowing a flow, of the particle/fluid mixture, to pass through said means and which means is capable of being filled automatically with a collecting fluid (40) to which the separation particles (16) have been added. |