--- title: Poured Culture Media Plates | AnalytiChem UK (Formerly Cherwell) description: "Poured media: petri dishes, settle plates, contact plates, gamma irradiated media, other agar products and dipslides" --- [![analytichem_Logo+claim_RGB](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/analytichem_Logo+claim_RGB.png?width=7907&height=1706&name=analytichem_Logo+claim_RGB.png "analytichem_Logo+claim_RGB")](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/) [![analytichem_Logo+claim_RGB](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/analytichem_Logo+claim_RGB.png?width=7907&height=1706&name=analytichem_Logo+claim_RGB.png "analytichem_Logo+claim_RGB")](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/) [![50th Logo Cherwell logo final](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/50th%20Logo%20Cherwell%20logo%20final.svg "50th Logo Cherwell logo final")](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/50-years-of-cherwell) Search # Poured Culture Media Plates ### Agar plates, Petri Dishes, Contact Plates, Settle Plates and Dipslides.   [![REQUEST CERTIFICATE OF ANALYSIS](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2885977/0019290e-74e4-49b1-b332-58e602527c7e.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2885977/0019290e-74e4-49b1-b332-58e602527c7e) [![Request a Quote](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2885977/e3973f9c-7192-4795-84fb-2969856cd8d6.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2885977/e3973f9c-7192-4795-84fb-2969856cd8d6)   ![New-abstract-dishes-1900-min](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Marketplace/Cherwell%20Labs/imgs/optimised/New-abstract-dishes-1900-min.jpg?width=1893&name=New-abstract-dishes-1900-min.jpg "New-abstract-dishes-1900-min") #### RANGE OF PREPARED CULTURE MEDIA PLATES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING, NON-CRITICAL HYGIENE, GENERAL PURPOSE AND SELECTIVE LABORATORY MEDIA ## Redipor® range of prepared media products We provide an extensive range of Redipor® pre-poured plates including Petri dishes in 50mm, 90mm and 140mm sizes and contact plates. [Gamma irradiated products](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/irradiated-media) are also available. All prepared media plates are manufactured within our cleanroom facility with quality checks at each stage of the process. Each batch is quarantined after filling, allowed to naturally condition, 100% inspected prior to final packing and can be stored at room temperature. A sample from each batch is removed for final quality checks with a [detailed certificate of analysis](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/Marketplace/Cherwell%20Labs/assets/Sample%20QC%20Certificate%20Redipor.pdf) provided. Browse our range of poured culture media products below and contact us to discuss any bespoke formulation requirements. [Redipor Plate Specifications Data Sheet](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/DS-Redipor-Plate-Specifications.pdf) [Safety Data Sheet - Redipor Plates](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/SDS01-02%20Redipor%20Plates.pdf)   [![Enquire now](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2885977/43be4f89-b987-4f42-bb4a-56d6c3f6d184.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2885977/43be4f89-b987-4f42-bb4a-56d6c3f6d184) ![book-mockup-p-800](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/2040891/hubfs/Clearview/img/book-mockup-p-800.jpeg?width=800&name=book-mockup-p-800.jpeg "book-mockup-p-800") #### A TITLE THAT WILL DESCRIBE YOUR CONTENT OFFER ## WSB - Content Section Ten I think you've let your personal feelings cloud your judgement. Shields up! Rrrrred alert! The look in your eyes, I recognize it. You used to have it for me. Mr. Worf, you do remember how to fire phasers? They were just sucked into space. How long can two people talk about nothing?  The game's not big enough unless it scares you a little. Now we know what they mean by 'advanced' tactical training. A surprise party? Mr. Worf, I hate surprise parties. I would *never* do that to you. Your head is not an artifact! #### ANALYTICHEM UK POURED CULTURE MEDIA PRODUCTS ## Settle plates, contact plates and more: contact us to place your order #### Petri dishes – 50mm ** Clear polystyrene 50mm Petri dishes for use with membrane filters for applications such as water testing. #### Petri dishes – 90mm ** Standard 90mm clear polystyrene Petri dishes available with a wide variety of media for laboratory purposes, such as identification and isolation work. Supplied in packs of 10, standard fill is 18ml, alternatives can be provided. #### Petri dishes – 140mm ** Large 140mm clear polystyrene Petri dishes, typically used for finger dabs or in slit-to-agar samplers.  Supplied in packs of 10 (2 x 5 plates) with a standard fill of 75ml of media. #### Contact plates ** Manufactured in clear polystyrene, our contact plates feature a grip lid for easier handling and grid markings on the base. Fill volume is approximately 17ml of media to generate the raised meniscus for surface sampling. #### Dipslides ** Used for sampling of water and surfaces, Dipslides are a low cost, convenient sampling tool. Our supplier packs these in boxes of 10 and the flexible paddle is double sided with a choice of media. #### ANALYTICHEM UK SUPPLIES PRODUCTS AND SERVICES TO THE PHARMACEUTICAL AND RELATED INDUSTRIES ## A few societies and associations we are members and sponsors of [![1_1](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/Marketplace/Cherwell%20Labs/imgs/logos/1_1.jpg) ](http://www.gambica.org.uk/) [![8_1](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/Marketplace/Cherwell%20Labs/imgs/logos/8_1.jpg) ](https://www.cleanrooms-ireland.ie/) [![5_1](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/Marketplace/Cherwell%20Labs/imgs/logos/5_1.jpg) ](https://phss.co.uk/) [![6_1](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/Marketplace/Cherwell%20Labs/imgs/logos/6_1.jpg) ](https://www.pharmig.org.uk/en/) [![sc-logo-grey-2](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/Marketplace/Cherwell%20Labs/imgs/logos/sc-logo-grey-2.webp) ](https://societyforcontaminationcontrol.org/) [![pda-logo](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/Marketplace/Cherwell%20Labs/imgs/logos/pda-logo.webp) ](https://www.pda.org/chapters#europe) ![](https://play.vidyard.com/7WpKbTrrkbTuYX9uBeQo1z.jpg) ## Desiccation of Agar – Choosing Appropriate Media Fill Volume In this animation Cherwell explains why desiccation and cracking can occur on plates, and why a deeper fill volume may help reduce the impact in your environmental monitoring environment. ## What our customers say #### Tracey Roberts, Quality Assurance Technician *Wrexham Maelor Hospital * "Cherwell have always provided a great service, with innovative ideas and products. Great customer service too." #### Gerald Prout *Kennet Bioservices Limited * "All my contacts with Cherwell have been resolved satisfactorily with 24-48 hours." #### Microbiology Technician *Industrial Pharmaceutical Company* "The service from Cherwell is excellent, they will always try to provide help where possible." #### NEED SOMETHING ELSE? ## Browse our products and services [ #### **Redipor® Complete Prepared Media Product List ** The latest Redipor® product list with full specification details ](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/products-and-services-pricing) [ #### **Bespoke products & packaging ** Culture media formulations and packaging created to your specifications ](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/bespoke-products-and-packaging) [ #### **Gamma irradiated media ** Range of irradiated settle plates, contact plates, Petri dishes, vials and barrier packs ](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/irradiated-media) [ #### **prepared media accessories ** Settle plate stands, contact plate carriers, Rodac-Weight surface sampler and more ](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/prepared-media-accessories) [ #### **Microbial air sampler calibration service ** Calibration services for all models of SAS air samplers ](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/air-sampler-calibration-service) [ #### **Environmental Monitoring: information page ** Visit our environmental monitoring page for an overview of different sampling methods ](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/environmental-monitoring-information) #### FREQUENTLY ## Asked Questions What does the use by date mean on Redipor® prepared media? For Redipor media the Use By date is the last day on which the medium should be inoculated or exposed. Any incubation period that is normal for that product may begin on that day. For example a 14 day sterility test in TSB or a 5 day incubation for a TSA settle plate. Are there any benefits to dip slides? Dip slides can be less sensitive than contact plates or swabs and they often have less stringent QC release criteria. However there are circumstances where they have real advantages. They are convenient and easy to use by the relatively less skilled. They are ideal for testing water tanks and hygiene monitoring in food preparation and similarly clean but not aseptic environments. Most importantly they are ideal for field use because they are self contained and the slide can be incubated and assessed without opening the device. How do I melt bottled agar? Ideally in free steam at 100°C. Alternatively in a waterbath just less than boiling. It is not recommended to heat bottled agar in a microwave oven or on a hot plate because there is a risk of serious injury from broken glass and hot agar. Which culture media should I use? We can provide a great deal of information so that you can make an informed choice. Our [Growth Media Types page](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/en-gb/growth-media-types) provides information on the different types of prepared media and how they are used in environmental monitoring, sterility testing and process validation as a starting point. For further information on other media and applications, please phone or email us with details.   Why might I want gamma irradiated media? The sterility of the packaged medium is assured and all but the outer layer of packaging is also sterile. Thus the risk to the environment to be sampled is greatly reduced. There is an additional benefit that the additional packaging and process extends the room temperature shelf life. This can be sufficient reason for small or irregular users to prefer irradiated. [Find more details of our irradiated range here.](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/irradiated-media) What is the maximum exposure time for settle plates? Settle plates are used to monitor the level of viable particles in the environment through a process of passive air sampling. A viable particle settles on agar plates at a rate dependent on its characteristics and the airflow in the environment. EU GMP Guide Annex 1 has recommended that 90mm settle plates can be exposed in cleanroom environments for up to 4 hours. However, agar plates may dry out during long exposures where the rate of air exchange is high. So, it might be necessary to use deep filled settle plates, or replace the settle plate after a shorter time to ensure satisfactory growth promotion after exposure. Is it OK to store prepared media in the fridge? The storage condition for the majority of our prepared media is Ambient not exceeding 25ºC, the exception being a couple of very specialist products. We have never specified storage in a fridge for our general media as this causes excessive condensation and can result in a very wet agar surface. This makes the product impossible to use. [View our data sheet on Redipor Storage Conditions.](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/Redipor-Storage-Conditions.pdf)   What is the difference between general purpose and selective growth media? General purpose media have nutrients that support the growth of most non fastidious culturable microorganisms. Selective growth media contain components that will inhibit the growth of some types of microorganisms, while supporting the growth of others. General purpose media, such as [Tryptone Soya Agar](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/en-gb/growth-media-type-tryptone-soya-agar-tsa), are used to produce total counts. While selective media, such as XLD for Salmonella species, are used to test presence/absence of specific types of microorganism. Can I recycle Redipor product packaging? View our data sheet on [**recycling Redipor products.**](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/DS-Recycling%20of%20Redipor%20Products.pdf) #### ANALYTICHEM UK IS DIFFERENT ## Supplying products is only the start ![cherwell-icon-17-1](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/Marketplace/Cherwell%20Labs/imgs/icons/cherwell-icon-17-1.svg "cherwell-icon-17-1") #### The best products prepared for you Our Redipor® media products are batch tested, QC certified and delivered when you need them ![cubes](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/Marketplace/Cherwell%20Labs/imgs/icons/cubes.svg "cubes") #### Bespoke accessories and services We provide additional equipment or services to make your environmental monitoring more effective ![cherwell-icon-35-1](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/Marketplace/Cherwell%20Labs/imgs/icons/cherwell-icon-35-1.svg "cherwell-icon-35-1") #### Best customer service We build long-standing client relationships on understanding, commitment and trust ![Pocket-Guide-to-Prepared-Culture-Media-p-800-min](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Marketplace/Cherwell%20Labs/imgs/optimised/Pocket-Guide-to-Prepared-Culture-Media-p-800-min.png?width=800&name=Pocket-Guide-to-Prepared-Culture-Media-p-800-min.png "Pocket-Guide-to-Prepared-Culture-Media-p-800-min") #### GET OUR POCKET GUIDE ## The Pharmaceutical and Cleanroom Industry's Guide to Prepared Culture Media A guide to understanding the logistics, best practices and breadth of available prepared media options for varying applications.   [![Download Guide](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2885977/16a156a8-620f-436f-83d0-b7b1922de9a4.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2885977/16a156a8-620f-436f-83d0-b7b1922de9a4) #### What's next #### Recent news [![Specialist products for boosting microbial EM protocol reliability spotlighted by AnalytiChem UK at Pharmig 2025](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Redipor%20TwistLock%20Contact%20Plates%20with%20GS1%20DataMatrix%20Codes.png?width=50&height=50&name=Redipor%20TwistLock%20Contact%20Plates%20with%20GS1%20DataMatrix%20Codes.png) **Specialist products for boosting microbial EM protocol reliability spotlighted by AnalytiChem UK at Pharmig 2025** 10 November 2025 ](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/cherwell-labs-post/analytichem-uk-highlight-specialist-em-products-pharmig-2025-annual-conference) [![New AnalytiChem UK appointment strengthens customer focus and growth strategy](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Tom%20Pickford%20AnalytiChem%20UK%20Business%20Development%20Manager%20Midlands.jpg?width=50&height=50&name=Tom%20Pickford%20AnalytiChem%20UK%20Business%20Development%20Manager%20Midlands.jpg) **New AnalytiChem UK appointment strengthens customer focus and growth strategy** 20 October 2025 ](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/cherwell-labs-post/new-analytichem-uk-appointment-strengthens-customer-focus-and-growth-strategy) #### Subscribe Receive the latest articles as they are published. #### Contact us Registered Office 7 & 8 Launton Business Centre, Murdock Road, Bicester, OX26 4XB **Phone** Tel: +44 (0) 1869 355 500 **Email** [sales.uk@analytichem.com](mailto:sales.uk@analytichem.com)    ![analytichem_Logo+claim_RGB](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/analytichem_Logo+claim_RGB.png?width=2000&height=431&name=analytichem_Logo+claim_RGB.png "analytichem_Logo+claim_RGB") ![BSI-ISO-9001-Certified-50px](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/BSI-ISO-9001-Certified-50px.png?width=130&height=77&name=BSI-ISO-9001-Certified-50px.png "BSI-ISO-9001-Certified-50px") AnalytiChem UK ©2025 (Formerly Cherwell) Reg. in England No: 01159518 VAT Reg. 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