Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the shelf life of InPouch?

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).

Where do I find practical tips for using InPouch?

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

How do I close the InPouch?

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.

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

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.

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

No, you can read through the plastic pouch.

How long is the shelf life of InTray?

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

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

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

How do you inoculate InTray?

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

Can you stack them?

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

What is the regulatory status?

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. 

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

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

Can I use any culture swab to collect the specimen?

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

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

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. 

What is the aluminum seal for?

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

What is the purpose of the white paper strip?

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

Is the media in the InTray dehydrated?

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

Does InTray require refrigeration?

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

Can it be read using automated plate counters?

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

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

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

Are special disposal methods required?

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. 

Do you carry all media types?

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.

Do you carry chromogenic media?

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