✅ 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 accurate, reliable 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 naturally settle back into the well. Attempting to remove it can disrupt antibiotic diffusion, leading to inconsistent results and compromising accuracy.

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 and accurate antibiotic absorption, both crucial for reliable readings.

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 contamination or displacement, negatively affecting test performance and accuracy.

Properly seal plates
Correct sealing is essential for preventing cross-contamination and ensuring reliable results. Use the adhesive plastic sheets provided to cover the wells before incubation. Apply the sheet evenly, using a roller to secure it firmly. This minimises variations in the sealing process, maintaining consistency and accuracy across all tests.

Keep plates free from writing
Avoid writing or marking on the Delvotest® plates or adhesive foil. 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

In the next article, we’ll explore another fundamental principle—minimising delays during application steps—to help maintain uniformity and accuracy throughout the testing process.

⏭️ Next article: Minimise delays during application steps🔗