A new gel tube method for the direct detection, identification and susceptibility testing of bacteria in clinical samples.

We recently developed a simple new method which is designed to separate and concentrate bacteria from a sample by centrifugation in a gel system. Bacterial enzyme activity is then detected inside the gel without further manipulation using a colorimetric or fluorogenic substrate. The method provides a rapid, direct means of detecting bacteria in clinical samples, dispensing with the 24-h period normally required to isolate colonies on agar.