✅ Handle plates with care

This article is part of our Application Protocol Help Centre series🔗 designed to help you get the best performance from your Delvotest® system. By following a unified application protocol across multiple laboratories, you can significantly reduce variability, enhance reliability, and achieve more consistent results. In this article, we focus on the importance of handling your Delvotest® plates correctly—one of the core principles for operational success🔗—to maintain their integrity and ensure consistent outcomes.

Keep moisture in wells
Occasionally, you may observe condensation or moisture in the test wells. This is both normal and desirable, supporting proper performance during incubation. Do not tap or remove this moisture; it will settle back into the well. Attempting to remove it can disrupt the gel leading to inconsistent results. 

Handle plates gently
 Avoid tapping, shaking, or applying excessive pressure to the plates. The purple agar gel in the wells is sensitive, and rough handling may loosen or damage it. Preserving the gel’s integrity ensures even distribution of samples. 

Prevent contact with the purple agar gel
 When adding samples to the wells, ensure pipette tips or other instruments do not touch the purple agar gel. Any direct contact can cause damage or displacement, negatively affecting test performance. 

Properly seal plates
Correct sealing is essential for preventing cross-contamination and ‘drying out’ of the wells during incubation. Use the adhesive plastic sheets provided to cover the wells before incubation. Apply the sheet evenly, e.g. by using a roller, to secure it firmly. This minimises variations in the sealing process, maintaining consistency across all tests.

Keep plates free from writing
Avoid writing or marking on the Delvotest® plates or adhesive plastic sheet. Marks may interfere with the Delvotest® Accelerator Smart system’s ability to read and interpret results correctly. Keeping the surface clear ensures the system can function optimally.

Next Steps

⏭️ Next article: Minimise delays during application steps🔗