Merck Millipore's heipha ICRplus Neutraliser A contact plates improve detection of micro-organisms on disinfected surfaces in isolators and cleanrooms, the company says. Common disinfectants may contain residues from a variety of sources that inhibit the detection of micro-organisms during surface monitoring, which can lead to false negative results.
The new contact plates allow the detection of micro-organisms in the presence of many disinfectants, including those which cannot be sufficiently inactivated by common neutralisers, such as polysorbate 80, lecithin, histidine and thiosulfate. The medium in the plates is supplemented with a mixture of ingredients called Neutraliser A to inactivate residues of a broad range of disinfectants including polyhexamethylene biguanides and quaternary ammonium compounds. The basic medium complies with the formulation of casein soya bean digest agar according to the recommendation of the current European, Japanese and United States Pharmacopoeia.
Heipha Neutraliser A ICRplus contact plates are triple-bagged, gamma-irradiated and feature a two-way closure system. The closed position ensures safe transport after sampling and is suitable for aerobic incubation while the vent position provides the required gas exchange for the detection of anaerobic and microaerophilic micro-organisms in specific incubation atmospheres. Additionally, the clear appearance of the agar medium makes analysis easier.
The plates can be stored at room temperature and have a shelf life of six months. Each plate contains a data matrix barcode, which allows secure identification of plates and supports the 'paperless' lab.
