Let’s Dive into Parter Medical Petri Dishes, Segmented, Sterile 3503 Gamma Radiation Sterilized Y-Plate, Case of 500
As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, my expertise might seem a world away from the sterile environment of a laboratory. However, my years of experience analyzing materials, assessing durability, and understanding user needs translate surprisingly well to evaluating scientific equipment. Today, I’m stepping into a different kind of arena, examining the Parter Medical Petri Dishes, Segmented, Sterile 3503 Gamma Radiation Sterilized Y-Plate, Case of 500. These aren’t your average camping supplies, but their quality and suitability are just as critical in their intended field.
What led me to examine these seemingly disparate items? I’ve been assisting a friend, a research scientist, in selecting reliable lab consumables for a project focusing on novel antibiotic resistance mechanisms. My friend was specifically seeking segmented petri dishes for co-culture experiments, where multiple microbial strains are grown in close proximity to study their interactions. That is where the Parter Medical Petri Dishes, Segmented, Sterile 3503 Gamma Radiation Sterilized Y-Plate, Case of 500 came in.
Upon receiving the case, my first impression was one of practical efficiency. The packaging was straightforward and functional, designed for easy access while maintaining sterility. The dishes themselves felt sturdy and well-constructed, made from what appeared to be high-quality polystyrene.
Compared to standard, non-segmented petri dishes, the Y-plate design immediately stood out as a key advantage for controlled experiments. I was primarily choosing between these and similar segmented dishes from Fisher Scientific and VWR, both well-regarded brands in the lab supply space. The Parter Medical option offered a more attractive price point for the quantity required, without sacrificing apparent quality.
Overall, my initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. The true test, of course, would be in their performance within the controlled environment of the lab, but initial indications were positive. The promise of sterile, reliable, and cost-effective culturing was definitely exciting.
Real-World Testing: Putting Parter Medical Petri Dishes, Segmented, Sterile 3503 Gamma Radiation Sterilized Y-Plate, Case of 500 to the Test
First Use Experience
The Parter Medical Petri Dishes, Segmented, Sterile 3503 Gamma Radiation Sterilized Y-Plate, Case of 500 were first utilized in a microbiology lab setting focused on culturing bacterial strains with varying antibiotic resistance. The Y-plate design allowed for the simultaneous inoculation of three different bacterial species, facilitating the study of their interactions and potential synergistic effects in resisting antibiotics. The ease of use in a controlled environment was immediately apparent.
The dishes performed admirably under standard incubation conditions (37°C, with and without humidity control). The optical clarity of the polystyrene allowed for easy observation of colony growth and morphology, even under microscopic examination. There were no issues with contamination, confirming the effectiveness of the gamma radiation sterilization process.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of continuous use, the Parter Medical Petri Dishes, Segmented, Sterile 3503 Gamma Radiation Sterilized Y-Plate, Case of 500 proved to be remarkably reliable. No warping, cracking, or other signs of degradation were observed, even after prolonged incubation periods. The flatness of the dish bottoms was consistently uniform, ensuring even distribution of agar and consistent growth conditions across all three segments.
Maintenance was minimal, limited to standard disposal procedures after use. These dishes are intended for single-use, eliminating the need for cleaning or re-sterilization, which adds to the convenience and reduces the risk of contamination. In comparison to previous experiences with lower-quality petri dishes that sometimes exhibited inconsistent flatness or compromised sterility, the Parter Medical dishes significantly outperformed expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Parter Medical Petri Dishes, Segmented, Sterile 3503 Gamma Radiation Sterilized Y-Plate, Case of 500
Specifications
- Description: Gamma Radiation Sterilized Y-Plate. The segmented design allows for culturing multiple samples simultaneously and is ideal for comparative studies or experiments requiring multiple conditions.
- Material: Virgin Polystyrene. This provides distortion-free visibility, critical for accurate observation and microscopic examination of cultures.
- Sterilization: Gamma Radiation Sterilized. Gamma radiation ensures a high level of sterility, minimizing the risk of contamination, which is paramount in microbiological research.
- Dimensions: 100mm diameter x 15mm height. This standard size is compatible with most automated handling systems and incubators.
- Quantity per Bag: 20. The packaging in smaller units helps maintain sterility, minimizing waste if only a portion of the case is needed at a time.
- Unit: Case of 500. Buying in bulk reduces the overall cost per dish, making it an economical choice for labs with high throughput.
- Special Features: Venting Ribs and Consistently Flat Bottoms. Venting ribs prevent condensation buildup, promoting optimal culture growth and extending media shelf life, while flat bottoms ensure uniform agar thickness and consistent results.
- Segmented Design: Y-Plate. This design with three sections enables side-by-side comparison of different cultures or treatments within the same dish.
These specifications are not just numbers; they translate directly into real-world benefits. The combination of sterility, optical clarity, and consistent design makes these dishes a reliable tool for scientific research.
Performance & Functionality
The Parter Medical Petri Dishes, Segmented, Sterile 3503 Gamma Radiation Sterilized Y-Plate, Case of 500 perform their primary job – supporting microbial growth in a controlled environment – exceptionally well. They are particularly well-suited for experiments requiring simultaneous culturing of multiple strains or conditions. The dishes offer uniform agar thickness, preventing localized variations in nutrient availability or moisture levels.
A key strength is the Y-plate segmentation. This allows for direct comparison of growth rates and colony characteristics under identical environmental conditions, reducing variability inherent in using separate dishes. One minor weakness is the lack of surface treatment to enhance cell adhesion, which might be desired for certain cell culture applications, but isn’t a factor for bacterial cultures.
Overall, these petri dishes meet and exceed expectations for routine microbiological culturing. Their reliability and consistent performance make them a valuable asset in any research lab.
Design & Ergonomics
The dishes are molded from virgin polystyrene, providing excellent optical clarity and structural integrity. The weight is appropriate for easy handling without feeling flimsy. The segmented design is well-executed, with clearly defined partitions that prevent cross-contamination between sections.
There is no real “learning curve” associated with using these petri dishes. Their design is intuitive and straightforward, requiring no special skills or training.
Durability & Maintenance
Given their single-use design, long-term durability isn’t a primary concern. However, the polystyrene construction is robust enough to withstand normal handling and incubation conditions without cracking or warping. Maintenance is non-existent, as the dishes are disposed of after each use, minimizing the risk of contamination.
Accessories and Customization Options
No accessories are included with the Parter Medical Petri Dishes, Segmented, Sterile 3503 Gamma Radiation Sterilized Y-Plate, Case of 500. These dishes are intended as a basic consumable. Customization is limited to the type of culture media used.
They are compatible with standard laboratory equipment, such as automated plate readers, incubators, and colony counters. They work seamlessly with various agar formulations and other common microbiological reagents.
Pros and Cons of Parter Medical Petri Dishes, Segmented, Sterile 3503 Gamma Radiation Sterilized Y-Plate, Case of 500
Pros
- Sterile and Ready-to-Use: Eliminates the need for autoclaving, saving time and reducing the risk of contamination.
- Segmented Y-Plate Design: Allows for simultaneous culturing and comparison of multiple samples or conditions.
- Optically Clear Polystyrene: Provides excellent visibility for microscopic examination and colony counting.
- Consistent Flat Bottoms: Ensures uniform agar thickness for reliable and reproducible results.
- Economical Bulk Packaging: Offers a cost-effective solution for high-throughput labs.
Cons
- Single-Use Only: Not reusable, which may increase waste volume.
- Lack of Surface Treatment: May not be ideal for all cell culture applications requiring enhanced cell adhesion.
Who Should Buy Parter Medical Petri Dishes, Segmented, Sterile 3503 Gamma Radiation Sterilized Y-Plate, Case of 500?
The Parter Medical Petri Dishes, Segmented, Sterile 3503 Gamma Radiation Sterilized Y-Plate, Case of 500 are perfect for microbiology labs, research institutions, and pharmaceutical companies conducting experiments requiring comparative culturing. These are also ideal for researchers studying microbial interactions, antibiotic resistance, or other multi-strain phenomena. Labs with high-throughput screening needs will also benefit from the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of these dishes.
Those who should skip this product are labs with limited budgets that can implement effective autoclaving procedures for reusable dishes. Cell culture researchers who require specific surface treatments to enhance cell adhesion might need to seek alternative products.
A must-have modification, depending on the application, might be to supplement the media with specific growth factors or antibiotics tailored to the organisms being cultured.
Conclusion on Parter Medical Petri Dishes, Segmented, Sterile 3503 Gamma Radiation Sterilized Y-Plate, Case of 500
In summary, the Parter Medical Petri Dishes, Segmented, Sterile 3503 Gamma Radiation Sterilized Y-Plate, Case of 500 are a reliable and cost-effective solution for microbiological culturing. Their sterile, segmented design promotes efficient and reproducible experiments, making them a valuable asset in any research lab.
The price of $263.99 for a case of 500 is justified, given the quality, sterility, and convenience offered. This is especially true for labs that prioritize high-throughput screening and require consistent results.
I would personally recommend these petri dishes to any researcher seeking a dependable and efficient tool for microbial culturing. Invest in the Parter Medical Petri Dishes, Segmented, Sterile 3503 Gamma Radiation Sterilized Y-Plate, Case of 500 and experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing your cultures are growing in a sterile and consistent environment.