Basic sample preparation

Accurate dilutions need a real vortex, the right vortex time, and a rinsed pipette tip.

BactoBox® measurements require dilution. Three habits make your dilutions accurate.

Get a vortex when you vortex

When you vortex, you must get a vortex. The right grip on the tube makes that easier.

Slow-motion vortexing of a 15 mL vial. Left: correct grip and correct attachment, and a vortex forms. Center: too tight a grip. Right: wrong mixer attachment. For the right grip, hold the cap with three fingers to start the motion, then switch to light pressure with one finger.

Vortex for the right time

• Your culture, 30 seconds. Cells in a culture tend to stick to each other, and 30 seconds disperses them before your first dilution.

• Each diluent vial, 10 seconds. Vortex right after you dispense into it, so the vial is evenly mixed before you take from it or measure it.

Rinse the pipette tip

After dispensing into a vial, pipette up and down once or twice in that same vial.

A 1:100 dilution transfers about 100 µL. Whatever stays behind in the tip is a significant share of that.