Contact plates are plates containing specific culture media for the microbiological control of surfaces, garments, or hands.
Surface sampling is performed by applying the meniscus of the agar medium, which protrudes beyond the edge of the plate, onto the surface. Contact with the surface should last about 10 seconds.
Contact plates can also be filled with a smaller amount of medium, which therefore does not form a meniscus. The absence of the meniscus makes these plates suitable for use with air samplers.
After sampling, the plates are incubated at the required temperature and for the necessary time, depending on the type of analysis or the target microorganism.
These are 90 mm Petri dishes containing 25 or 30 ml of agar medium; this volume makes the medium less sensitive to dehydration. They are used to monitor air in critical areas or cleanrooms and are employed by exposing them to the environment in specific positions and for an appropriate time, according to a validated protocol.
After sampling, the plates are incubated at the required temperature and for the necessary time, depending on the type of analysis or the target microorganism.
Slides are plastic paddles with culture medium applied on both sides.
The slide is applied to the surface and then incubated at the required temperature and for the necessary time.
