Agree the laboratory arrangements before collecting plates. The plate type, medium, sample identity, requested incubation and reporting needs should be clear enough for both your facility and the laboratory to follow the same request.
Tell PBR whether the request is for routine plate incubation, growth assessment, identification of recovered growth or a combination. Provide the sampling method, plate format and medium, along with any conditions specified in your procedures. PBR must confirm suitability before collection.
Use identifiers that connect each plate to the submission record. Supply the sampling date and time, site identifier and other context needed for the requested report. Check that labels remain readable and that the submission record matches the plates.
Ask PBR to confirm packaging, transport conditions, submission timing and planned receipt arrangements for the specific plates. Do not assume that instructions for a different sample type apply. Advise the laboratory if an unexpected delay or collection problem occurs.
Define how findings will be reported and whether identification is pre-authorized or requires a follow-up decision. Discuss any plate or isolate retention arrangements. If a result may require urgent review, agree the communication route in advance.
A change to media, collection procedure, requested conditions or reporting scope may require a revised laboratory agreement. Contact PBR before applying changed arrangements to recurring submissions.
Arrange incubation and growth assessment of client-submitted monitoring plates, with identification where required.
Discuss identification of recovered bacteria, yeasts and moulds and the detail your investigation requires.
Understand the different questions answered by growth assessment, enumeration and microbial identification.
Review monitoring-plan context alongside the laboratory service for collected plates.
Connect routine facility monitoring and investigation needs with the appropriate laboratory service.
Contact PBR with your sample or product, testing objective and reporting needs. Confirm the appropriate laboratory scope and submission arrangements before sending material.
Discuss Your Testing Requirements