"Cell spreader" is a laboratory tool used for the even distribution or spreading of cells or bacterial cultures onto the surface of agar plates, slides, or other culture media. It is commonly used in microbiology, cell culture, and molecular biology experiments.

 

A cell spreader typically consists of a plastic or metal handle with a flat, triangular or L-shaped blade at the end. The blade is designed to hold a small amount of the cell suspension or bacterial culture, which can then be evenly spread across the surface of the culture medium.

 

The cell spreader allows for consistent and uniform distribution of cells, ensuring an even distribution and growth of cells on the agar plate or slide. This is important for various applications such as colony counting, isolation of single colonies, and testing antibiotic susceptibility.

 

Using a cell spreader is relatively simple. First, a small amount of the cell suspension or bacterial culture is applied onto the blade of the spreader. Then, starting from the center of the culture plate or slide, the spreader is gently dragged across the surface in a back-and-forth motion to distribute the cells evenly. Care should be taken to avoid excessive pressure or damaging the agar surface.

 

Cell spreaders are available in different sizes to accommodate various sample volumes and plate sizes. They are typically disposable or can be sterilized and reused after proper cleaning.

 

The benefits of using a cell spreader include facilitating efficient and consistent cell distribution, reducing the risk of contamination, and saving time compared to other methods such as the pouring or streaking technique. It provides a convenient and reliable tool for researchers and technicians working with cell cultures and microbial samples.

 

In summary, a cell spreader is a laboratory tool used for the even distribution of cells or bacterial cultures on agar plates or slides. It ensures consistent and uniform growth of cells, making it a valuable tool in microbiology and cell culture experiments.