Rapid microbial detection and antimicrobial susceptibiility testing

1. A method for measuring the growth of a plurality of individual microorganisms in a sample comprising:

contacting said sample with a biosensor comprising:

a chamber having at least one detection surface configured to bind a plurality of said microorganisms wherein each said individual microorganism binds to said detection surface in spatially discrete sites;

an input port configured to transport a solution into the chamber; and

an output port configured to transport said solution out of said chamber;

allowing said individual microorganisms to grow on said detection surface for a first period of time; and

detecting growth of individual microorganisms on said detection surface as an indication of the presence of said microorganisms.

2. The method according to claim 1 wherein said allowing step comprises adding at least one bioactive agent to said chamber.

3. The method according to claim 1 wherein a plurality of bioactive agents are added to the chamber.

4. The method according to claim 2 wherein said agent(s) are added after a first growth period.

5. The method according to claim 3 wherein said agent(s) are added after a first growth period.

6. The method according to claim 2 further comprising measuring growth of said individual microorganisms prior to said addition of said agent(s); and measuring growth of said individual microorganisms after a second growth period in the presence of said agent(s).

7. The method according to claim 3 further comprising measuring growth of said individual microorganisms prior to said addition of said agent(s); and measuring growth of said individual microorganisms after a second growth period in the presence of said agent(s).