Pouring Agar Plates

[clokke76]

Good day everyone,
I have some frustrating occurances about the lab. Every time I try to pour Agar plates either they have gaps (no agar), generate water in the fridge, or are too thick!

Does anyone (microbiology experts) know how to pour agar plates well?

thanks guys
clokke

[danfive]

Once you've autoclaved your media, put the bottles in ~37C water bath, before you pour place on stir plate for ~1min, then pour into the plates in sterile hood. You should pour one at a time, enough to cover the bottom of the plate. Leave in hood, (should be a level surface) until they solidify.
Enough experience will eventually lead you to making them perfectly.

[kmunson779]

Another quick tip: if you're getting a lot of condensation on the plates, store them upside down (agar side on top) in the fridge, then before use, quickly shake off the water pooling on the lid (into the trash can or onto the floor).

Obviously, you need to make sure they've solidified before you put them upside down.

[aftabac]

well
good suggestion. well i would like to add that after autoclaving your media, touch it after some time if it is bearable on hand then pour it in plate in a way that i should cover the bottom, this should be done in hood and place the lid along, dont cover it immedatly. when the agarose get solidify then put the lid over and seal it with parafilm and then put in fridge upside down, i.e agar on top and lid on downside.
i am sure it will help you.
regards
aftab

[TimL1109]

Autoclave the agar and then aseptically transfer the liquid agar into seperate 1000mL flasks. Place under the antibiotic hood until cool enough to touch for more around 5 seconds. Pour enough to cover the bottom (about 1/8 ") and then IMMEDIATELY place the lid on the plate. Bacteria are everywhere and if you leave the lid off even after it cools bacteria will settle on the solid agar and contaminate the plate. After the agar solidifies place it upside down in the fridge to keep water from collecting in the agar.

[algory]

To make them not to thick I'm pouring agar in until about 2/3 of the dish is covered. The agar will extend to the empty area.
If its in your budget I suggest an automatic system (e.g. AAS great device!) or you may buy ready-for-use agar dishes.