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Abstract

The present invention relates to A device for performing an assay on an aqueous biological sample, the device comprising: (i) at least a first chamber comprising a desiccated hydrogel, wherein the hydrogel incorporates at least a first desiccated assay reagent or reagents, the hydrogel and reagent or reagents being configured to allow the controlled release of the first reagent or reagents when the hydrogel has been exposed to the aqueous biological sample and has at least been partially hydrated; and (ii) an imaging device for imaging and analysing the first chamber after the aqueous biological sample has been introduced into the first chamber and the hydrogel has been at least partially hydrated and at least part of the first reagent or reagents has or have been released. The present invention also relates to a device for rapidly determining the susceptibility of a microorganism in an aqueous biological sample to an antimicrobial agent comprising: a) a multi-chamber plate, wherein: (i) at least a first chamber comprises a growth medium, a first dye, and a desiccated hydrogel; and (ii) at least a second chamber comprises a growth medium, a first dye, a desiccated hydrogel, and a first antimicrobial agent that inhibits or slows the proliferation of the, or a, microorganism; and b) an imaging device for imaging and analysing one or more chambers after the biological sample has been introduced into the chamber and the hydrogel has been at least partially hydrated. The invention also relates to related methods and a kit of parts. The device is particularly suited for identifying the which antimicrobial agents would be suitable for the treatment of microbial infections, such as Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs).

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First Claim