FAQS

Got Questions? You might find your answers here

Frequently Asked Questions

In addition to these FAQs, take a moment to browse our troubleshooting tips here ►
 

InPouch TV

Q

How long is the shelf life of InPouch?

A

Effective shelf life is 12 months from the date of manufacture. Pouches should be stored at in a dark place at room temperature (18-25°C).

Q

Where do I find practical tips for using InPouch?

A

We've developed a video specifically on how to use InPouch. Click here to view ►

Q

How do I close the InPouch?

A

Push the media to the bottom of the bag and roll tightly down to the top of the label and seal kit with the tabs.

InPouch Products

Q

How do I use the InPouch for urine and seminal fluids?

A

These specimens need to be fresh and immediately transported to the lab. The lab tech will inoculate the pouch and perform the test. Call your lab for special handling instructions.

Q

Do I have to open the pouch to create a wet mount?

A

No, you can read through the plastic pouch.

InTray Products

Q

How long is the shelf life of InTray?

A

InTray products have a shelf life that varies anywhere from 3-27 months from the date of manufacture — with most products being 12 months.

Q

What if there's condensation on the media of my InTray?

A

Because InTray's use sealed prepared-culture-media, there are times when condensation may appear. We've actually got your answer with photos here ►

Q

How do you inoculate InTray?

A

Like a Petri dish, the agar can be inoculated by direct plating, streaking or membrane filters.

Q

Can you stack them?

A

InTray can be stacked either horizontally or vertically unlike Petri dishes.

PCR

Q

What is the regulatory status?

A

Our range of products includes FDA regulated IVD products, as well as veterinary tests, EPA method approved media and microbiology research products. Many products also contain the European CE mark. 

Q

Can I run PCR after I incubate and read the sample?

A

Yes, you can run PCR on all samples or samples that are positive.

Miscellaneous

Q

Can I use any culture swab to collect the specimen?

A

Trichomonas vaginalis is a "sticky" organism which may cling to dacron or plastic (swabs, tubes, tubing and pipets). Cotton swabs are preferred.

Q

When you put the sample in the InPouch, do you leave the swab in?

A

No! The cotton swab can rupture the pouch during transport. A cotton swab left inside will also cloud the medium and destroy clue cells, yeast and any trichomonads present. For a pictorial of how to use inoculated InPouch, please click on the Gallery link in the right upper corner of the InPouch product page. Additionally, InPouch product pages have a video tutorial. 

Q

What is the aluminum seal for?

A

Ensures that the agar is as fresh as the day it was manufactured, unlike when you open a sleeve of petris.

Q

What is the purpose of the white paper strip?

A

The strip is made of Tyvek® and is a barrier that controls air/oxygen exchange without particulate entry or escape.

Q

Is the media in the InTray dehydrated?

A

No, it is a ready to use, prepared, and QC tested media.

Q

Does InTray require refrigeration?

A

Yes, most InTray products require refrigeration. The storage section of each product page will have storage temperature limits. 

Q

Can it be read using automated plate counters?

A

Yes, most digital automated plate counters can accurately read InTray.

Q

If I drop InTray do I need to start all over?

A

InTray has a flexible label seal that cannot fall off, and keeps the culture safe. Additionally, InTray is impact durable, unlike a Petri dish.

Q

Are special disposal methods required?

A

Because of the potential for containing infectious materials, the most products must be destroyed by autoclaving at 121°C for 20 minutes. Please refer to the Instructions for Use (IFU) which are available on each product page. 

Q

Do you carry all media types?

A

We carry a large spectrum of media for clinical, veterinary and environmental applications, and we are adding new media all the time. For a complete list, please click one of the following product categories: Clinical | Veterinary | Industrial.

Q

Do you carry chromogenic media?

A

Yes, we carry a wide selection of chromogenic agars in our COLOREX™ line of products.