YOU DID IT!

Ok! You got a Myco Punch... Now what?

STERILIZING YOUR MYCO PUNCH

  • Toss your punch in the sterilization pouch along with the large tip if you plan on using it.

    Find the open end of one of the sterilization pouched, insert both the assembled MycoPunch along with. whatever tip is not currently fixed to the MycoPunch (If you're intending on using it during this run).

    Next, peel off the tap and fold over the flap to to shut the sterilization pouch.

  • Loading your Myco Punch into the PC

    Once you've packed up your MycoPunch, you now need to load it into your pressure cooker and sterilize it for 20-30 minutes. Ensure that the pouch is a good distance from the water and is only catching steam. After the sterilization cycle has completed, it is very important you allow the pack to cool inside the PC so it has the chance to properly dry. Otherwise you may encounter a "Wet pack", we packs if handled with bare hands will pass microbes and other contaminates through the open pores of the wet backing. So if you must remove it before it's dried, do so with gloves on.

  • Is it sterile?

    If the sterilization pouches "steam" indicator has turned black, then you have successfully steam sterilized the tool!

  • Where can I find more pouches?

    Right here

    200 Pouches on Amazon 

USING YOUR PUNCH

  • Ready to get going?

    Assuming that you have a culture you're ready begin expanding, some fresh plates and your MycoPunch has been sterilized. You're ready to go!

  • Remove the MycoPunch from its sterilization pouch.

    Start by opening up the pouch and removing your punch.

  • Start Punching.

    With one hand securing your culture bring the punch straight down into to the culture.

  • Twist

    Once you feel the bottom of the plate, gently twist clockwise and counter clockwise.

  • Pull out

    At this point, when you pull the punch out you should have your targeted specimen lodged in the tip of the tool.

  • (Optional, Grab)

    In the event that your targeted specimen did not come right out you have two options. The first is punching back in exactly where you did, twisting and pulling out. The second is utilizing your claw, this is the preffered method is you want zero contact between the plunger and the growth on top of the sample. to grab a specimen with a claw press down on the button, and gently let up just enough so the claw fits into the gap created around your sample location from the punch. Gently reduce the pressure on the button so you're hugging your sample with the claw, DO NOT let go of the button. Letting go will cut through the sample and gum things up.

  • Deposit your Sample

    Whether the sample is is inside of the tip or held in the claw, move over to your fresh plate and depress the button over the location you'd like to place your sample. This will either eject the sample, or open the claw and drop it. Feel free to reposition your sample as needed using the claw.

Assembly

  • Parts

    You should have a Tip, Spring, Body, Button, Cap and Claw. Assuming you have all of those parts, lets continue!

  • Slide the spring over the claw

    Grab the spring and slide it over the threaded end of the claws shaft. All the way down so the claw closes inside it.

  • Screw on the button

    Take the button in one hand and the claw in the other. As tightly as you can screw them together.

  • Slide the claw into the body.

    This can be a little bit tricky. With the spring positioned so that the claw is shut, carefully slide it into the cap end of the body (The cap end has a much deeper hole). When you feel the spring touch the bottom gently try to push the claw in twisting a little bit if necessary. Never force it, you may damage the claw, if the spring pops off just back it out and try again. This seems difficult but once you do it once it's like riding a bike.

  • Screw on the cap

    After you've pushed the claw in, slide the cap over the button and screw it in.

  • Fully retract the claw.

    Before you can screw on the tip, be sure to pull the button all the way back so the claw is pulled up and compressed. This prevents the tip from screwing onto and crushing the tines.

  • Screw on the tip

    Not much to it! Just make sure you hole the button back with one hand if necessary and screw on the tip. From here you should be good to go!
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TIPS

  • Don't crash the claw

    It feels natural to some to depress the claw before you've cut into the culture and attempt to push down with the claw out. This will bend the claw, not cut the culture and probably leave weird marks on your agar. Don't even think about the button/claw until after you've punched the plate.

  • Twist the button

    throughout extended use the claw may begin to work its way out. This is nothing to worry about, simply twist the button clock wise a few times while the claw is retracted every now and then throughout your session. Next time you assemble the punch try to get the claw shaft really tight in the button, but bear in mind that it does tend to work itself out so a twist every now and then will not be in vein

  • Less is more when torching the claw

    Should you opt to flame sterilize th claw, less it more. Depress the button, torch the tines just until they glow and stop. Continue holding the button down for a moment while the tines cool. Retracting the claw while the tins are very hot may cause the claw to lose its shape.

  • Keep your punch dry to evade corrosion

    It is crucial that you keep your MycoPunch as dry as possible when not in use. While the tool is highly corrosion resistant, if residual moisture is left on the tool, namely the claw/shaft when stored corrosion may occur.

    To combat this it is advisable to break down the MycoPunch and ensure it is dry when not in use.

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