Part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
OXOID TECHNICAL SUPPORT DEPARTMENT GUIDELINES
BOILING MEDIA PRIOR TO AUTOCLAVING
Boiling media prior to autoclaving is suggested by Oxoid to ensure complete
dissolution of the powder. It is necessary to ensure that the powder is properly
dissolved so that agar is distributed uniformly throughout the medium and to
minimise the risk of post-sterilisation contamination which may occur if dry
powder remains above the level of the water.
The pre-sterilisation boiling step
may be omitted if care is taken to ensure that the powder is thoroughly dissolved
before undergoing sterilisation.