BD 260660 - Disc Self-Tamping 8-Place Dispenser Precision Antibiotic Susceptibility Disc Dispenser, EA

BD 260660 - Disc Self-Tamping 8-Place Dispenser Precision Antibiotic Susceptibility Disc Dispenser, EA

The BD 260660 Sensi-Disc Self-Tamping 8-Place Dispenser is a high-precision laboratory instrument designed for the accurate and efficient placement of antibiotic susceptibility discs onto agar plates. Manufactured by BD (Becton Dickinson), this dispenser is part of the trusted Sensi-Disc system, widely used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. The 8-place self-tamping design enables simultaneous dispensing of up to eight discs at uniform spacing, ensuring consistent results while significantly reducing manual handling time. Built with durable, corrosion-resistant materials, it provides long-term reliability in busy microbiology laboratories.

Key Benefits

The BD Sensi-Disc Self-Tamping 8-Place Dispenser streamlines the antibiotic susceptibility testing process by automating disc placement, enhancing accuracy, and minimizing human error. Its self-tamping feature ensures even contact between discs and agar surface for optimal diffusion and reproducibility. The ergonomic design allows smooth, single-handed operation, increasing laboratory efficiency. The dispensers precision-engineered components maintain consistent disc spacing, ensuring reliable zone diameter measurements. In addition, BDs quality manufacturing ensures long service life, easy maintenance, and dependable performance with all BD Sensi-Disc cartridges.

Compatibility and Applications

This dispenser is compatible with BD Sensi-Disc antibiotic cartridges and standard 100mm or 150mm agar plates used in the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. It is an essential tool for clinical microbiology laboratories, hospital diagnostic centers, and pharmaceutical testing facilities performing antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The BD 260660 Dispenser can be used with various antibiotics, including beta-lactams, aminoglycosides, macrolides, and quinolones, making it suitable for both routine testing and advanced research applications.

Usage Guidelines

Before use, ensure the dispenser is clean and free of residue. Load up to eight BD Sensi-Disc cartridges into the dispensing slots. Position the dispenser above the inoculated agar plate and press down firmly but gently to release and tamp all eight discs simultaneously. Ensure the discs make full contact with the agar surface without excessive pressure. After dispensing, remove the dispenser and incubate plates according to standard AST procedures (usually 1618 hours at 3537C). Clean the dispenser regularly to maintain smooth operation and prevent contamination. Always follow CLSI or EUCAST guidelines for antibiotic susceptibility testing.

Certifications, Safety Standards, and Regulatory Approvals

The BD 260660 Sensi-Disc Dispenser complies with ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 quality management standards for laboratory equipment. It is manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and meets FDA and CE regulatory requirements for in vitro diagnostic (IVD) support instruments. BDs strict quality control ensures precision engineering, user safety, and product durability consistent with international laboratory standards.

Comparison with Competitor Products

Compared to manual placement or other generic disc dispensers, the BD 260660 Self-Tamping Dispenser provides superior accuracy, ease of use, and consistency. Competing dispensers often require manual tamping or multiple handling steps, which increase variability and risk of disc misplacement. BDs self-tamping design ensures immediate contact and uniform pressure for consistent antibiotic diffusion. Its eight-disc simultaneous dispensing capability significantly improves workflow efficiency, making it a preferred choice in clinical laboratories performing high-throughput antimicrobial testing.

Typical User Profile and Application Scenarios

This dispenser is ideal for clinical microbiologists, laboratory technologists, and quality control personnel working in hospitals, diagnostic labs, and pharmaceutical facilities. It is particularly useful in high-volume laboratories conducting routine antibiotic susceptibility tests for infectious disease surveillance and treatment guidance. Research institutions studying bacterial resistance patterns also benefit from the precision and reproducibility the BD 260660 dispenser provides.

Best Practices for Use and Maintenance

Clean the dispenser after each use with a mild detergent or alcohol-based cleaner to remove any agar or disc residue. Avoid using corrosive chemicals that could damage the dispensing mechanisms. Store in a clean, dry location when not in use. Periodically inspect springs, plungers, and tamping mechanisms for wear and replace components as needed. Always use genuine BD Sensi-Disc cartridges to ensure accurate dispensing and prolong the life of the instrument. Regular calibration checks and preventive maintenance will help maintain optimal performance.

Regulatory and Safety Information

This laboratory instrument is intended for professional use only. It should be operated by trained personnel familiar with antimicrobial susceptibility testing protocols. Handle antibiotic discs and bacterial cultures following institutional biosafety guidelines. Dispose of used materials in accordance with standard microbiological waste disposal procedures. BD ensures full compliance with safety and quality standards for all laboratory accessories and devices.

How to Order

To order the BD 260660 Sensi-Disc Self-Tamping 8-Place Dispenser, add the item to your cart and proceed through the secure checkout on the CIA Medical website. For institutional or bulk orders, contact CIA Medical customer service at (312) 275-5850 or submit a request through the inquiry form. CIA Medical provides reliable delivery, competitive pricing, and expert customer support for all BD microbiology and antimicrobial testing products.