Carolina Bottled Media - Manual (Page 6)

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6. Incubate the plates.
Notes: For room-temperature incubation, place the plates agar-side up.
If using an incubator, invert the plates and incubate them at 30–37° C.
The specific time and temperature required for incubation depends on
the medium selected.
7. Sterilize wire loops or dispose of used swabs. See Disposal section.
Storage
Unopened medium bottles may be stored under refrigeration for up to 1 year
or at room temperature for up to 6 months.
Disposal
For used plates, medium, bottles, and swabs:
Method 1
1. Double bag all used or contaminated materials with autoclavable
disposal bags.
Note: “Contaminated” refers to any package whose original seal was
broken, even if the contents were not used.
2. Vent the disposal bag to allow steam to penetrate the inner contents.
3. Place in an autoclave at 121° C, 15 psi for 45 minutes.
Note: Time may vary from state to state. Always check with the public
health service in your state to determine the requirements for
decontamination.
4. Indicate on the bag with special, autoclave indicator tape that the
enclosed sample has been autoclaved.
5. Dispose of in an appropriate waste receptacle.
Method 2
1. Soak the used or contaminated material in a bleach solution (1 part
household bleach:3 parts water) for 24 hours.
2. Place the materials in the disposal bag and seal it.
3. Incinerate the bag.
For wire inoculating loops:
Flame the wire in a bunsen burner to sterilize it.