System for Spore Detection

Abstract

A method for detecting the presence of bacterial spores in a sample comprises non-destructively to the spores carrying out the steps of assessing the fluorescence of the sample, subjecting the sample to UV radiation, and reassessing the fluorescence of the sample to determine the presence of spores. An increase in fluorescence indicates the presence of spore.

1 . A method of detecting the presence of bacterial spores in a sample comprising non-destructively to the spores carrying out the steps of assessing the fluorescence of the sample, subjecting the sample to UV radiation, and reassessing the fluorescence of the sample to determine the presence or absence of spores. 
   
   
       2 . A detector for detecting bacterial spores in a sample comprising a UV source, a detection zone within which the sample may be placed or may pass, means for fluorescence analysis arranged to assess for the presence of spores by reference to an increase in fluorescence following an exposure of the sample to a UV source without altering the structure of any spore.