Results from PCR.

<p>A: PCR data show that pellets from whole blood samples (10 mL) spiked with higher concentrations of MSSA amplify sooner (pellet volume in PCR well = 8 μL). B: Contingency table for PCR analysis of processed positive (100 CFU/mL) and negative (0 CFU/mL) whole blood samples.</p

Graph showing the percent recoveries of viable microorganisms following our sample preparation protocol.

<p>Data are averages of several replicates (n>3).</p

Images of the pellets after lysing 10 mL of whole blood.

<p>A: Microscopic view of an unspiked blood sample after lysis process at 60x magnification; B: For reference, microscopic view of unlysed whole blood at 60x magnification; C: Front view of the pellets; D: Side view of the pellets; E: For reference, from left to right, 2.5, 5.0, 10, and 15 μL of whole blood.</p

List of microorganisms used in the current study and their cultivation conditions.

<p>^<i>a</i> Gram-positive bacterium;</p><p>^<i>b</i> Gram-negative bacterium;</p><p>^<i>c</i> Yeast</p><p>List of microorganisms used in the current study and their cultivation conditions.</p

Images of the custom-made microbial concentration devices.

<p>Left: a blown-up view of the individual parts of the device. Right: a CAD model of a fully assembled device.</p