New Contact Plates for Improved Detection of Microorganisms in Isolators and Cleanrooms

Merck Millipore's (USA) heipha ICRplus Neutralizer A contact plates improve detection of microorganisms on disinfected surfaces in isolators and cleanrooms. Common disinfectants may contain residues from a variety of sources that inhibit the detection of microorganisms during surface monitoring, which can lead to false negative results.

Heipha Neutralizer A ICRplus contact plates allow the detection of microorganisms 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 Neutralizer 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 Neutralizer A ICRplus contact plates are triple-bagged, gamma-irradiated and the only plates available that 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 microorganisms 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 long shelf life of six months. Each heipha Neutralizer A ICRplus contact plate contains a data matrix barcode, which allows secure identification of plates and supports the "paperless" lab.