Carolina Bottled Media User Manual

Instructions for Bottled Media

CAROLINA

®

Teamed with Teachers

©1998 Carolina Biological Supply Company Printed in USA

3

Caution:

Do not attempt to melt bottled media in the microwave. It is not possible
to vent the bottle without contaminating the media. Heating the bottle in
the microwave may cause pressure buildup, thereby creating an
explosion hazard. For your safety, please follow the recommended
procedures below.

Preparing the Medium

1. Fill a small pot halfway with water. (Or, use a large pot for several
bottles.)

2. Place the bottle(s) of medium unopened inside the pot. Loosen the cap
slightly. Adjust the water level to make sure it is even with the level of
agar in the bottle(s).
Cautions: Removing the cap from the bottle before pouring the plate
will contaminate the medium.
Do not place a cold bottle into boiling water! It may cause the glass
bottle to shatter.

3. Heat the pot until the medium has melted completely. It may take up to
30 minutes to completely melt the medium.

4. Using an oven mitt or a pot holder, remove the bottle(s) from the water
and set on a heat resistant surface.
Caution: In addition to being hot, the bottle(s) may be slippery. Please
use extreme caution.

5. Allow the bottle(s) to cool to approximately 45° C before pouring plates.
At that point, the medium will still be liquid but the bottle(s) will not be
too hot to handle.
Note: Do not place the bottle(s) in an ice bath or refrigerator in an
attempt to speed the cooling process.

Preparing the Work Area

1. Sanitize and disinfect the work area by cleaning with 70% alcohol or a
bleach solution. Allow the area to air dry.
Note: A bleach solution may be prepared by adding 4 parts water to 1
part household bleach.

2. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.