Liofilchem® AST Disc Dispenser

The Liofilchem DISC DISPENSER 6 and DISC DISPENSER 8 are reliable laboratory tools designed for precise and efficient placement of antibiotic discs onto the agar surface of Petri dishes. These devices facilitate uniform diffusion of antibiotics, ensuring accurate and reproducible antimicrobial susceptibility testing results.

The DISC DISPENSER 6 is capable of placing up to 6 antibiotic discs along a 13 cm circumference, while the DISC DISPENSER 8 accommodates up to 8 discs along a 16 cm circumference. Both dispensers are ergonomically designed and ideal for clinical and industrial microbiology applications.

Key Features

1. Accurate Disc Placement
   • Discs are positioned equidistantly to ensure homogeneous diffusion of antibiotics.
   • DISC DISPENSER 6: 6 discs along a 13 cm circumference.
   • DISC DISPENSER 8: 8 discs along a 16 cm circumference.
2. Compact and Ergonomic Design
   • Lightweight and easy-to-use devices suitable for various agar plate sizes.
3. Height Adjustable Base
   • Adjustable to accommodate agar layers of different thicknesses (up to 1 cm).
4. Secure Cartridge System
   • Cartridges are securely loaded into designated guides and locked in place with a simple mechanism.
5. Airtight Storage with Desiccant
   • Protects the dispenser and antibiotic discs from moisture during storage.
6. Efficient Plunger System
   • Smooth plunger mechanism for quick and reliable disc dispensing.

How to Use

1. Adjust Height
   • Set the base height according to the thickness of the agar.
2. Load Cartridges
   • Slide the cartridges into the guides until a “click” confirms correct placement.
3. Secure Cartridges
   • Rotate the locking system on the plunger to hold the cartridges in place.
4. Position the Dispenser
   • Place the dispenser over the Petri dish.
5. Dispense Discs
   • Push the plunger downward firmly and release to place the discs on the agar surface.
6. Check Cartridge Levels
   • Ensure cartridges are not empty before proceeding to the next plate.

Storage Instructions

• Standard Storage
  • Store at 2-8°C with cartridges inside.
  • Keep in the supplied airtight container with desiccant to prevent moisture exposure.
• Desiccant Maintenance
  • Regenerate desiccant when it turns green by drying in a hot air oven at 50-55°C for 8-12 hours or in a vacuum oven for 2-3 hours.
  • Replace desiccant if it fails to regain its pale yellow color after regeneration.

Cleaning and Maintenance

1. Remove all cartridges before cleaning.
2. Clean using a 2% quaternary ammonium salts solution or a 1% sodium hypochlorite solution.
3. Use a swab to clean the base and ejection holes.

Decontamination Procedure

If contamination occurs:

1. Remove all cartridges.
2. Immerse the dispenser in a 2% quaternary ammonium salts solution for 8-12 hours.
3. Rinse with distilled water and dry thoroughly before reuse.

Troubleshooting

If discs are not dispensing properly:

1. Verify cartridges are not empty.
2. Ensure cartridges are correctly inserted into the guides.
3. Remove all cartridges and inspect for trapped or defective discs.
4. Avoid using metal tools to clear blockages.
5. Contact Liofilchem for technical support if issues persist.

Product Specifications

The DISC DISPENSER 6 and DISC DISPENSER 8 are practical, durable, and accurate tools for antibiotic susceptibility testing, offering reliable performance and convenience for microbiological laboratories.