How to Use Septum Caps for Media Bottles

Obtain the correct media bottle and septum cap. Find a septum cap that fits the diameter of the media bottle. Most media bottles will come with the septum cap. The bottles can be used to store, incubate or centrifuge a sample. In addition, there are devices that can cap and recap bottles or tubes with septum caps. These devices are referred to as septum cap decappers/recappers. This type of device need depends on the amount of samples and the need for re-usage of the caps and tubes.

Prepare and label the media sample that will go into the media bottle. Use a permanent marker to label the bottle. The media bottle should already have a cap. Do not unscrew the cap. Most caps have a single lock ring that breaks off after the first time it is used. Remove the protective covering on the septum cap. If you are using a reusable septum cap, make sure that the cap has been sterilized before use.

Disinfect the top part or the visible part of the rubber stopper on the septum cap. Apply a couple drops of isopropyl or ethyl alcohol -- 70 percent. Let the alcohol dry. Add the media into the bottle using a needle and syringe through the rubber stopper of the septum cap. Transfer the media immediately using aseptic techniques, such as using sterilized needles or a Bunsen burner flame to decontaminate the needle.

Place the media into the centrifuge or incubator. Remove the media as required per laboratory procedure. For instance, remove the media sample using a new needle or disinfected needle and syringe or completely remove septum cap from the sample bottle.