Product Center

GasPak™ systems are multiple-use, self-contained systems that produce atmospheres suitable to support the primary isolation and cultivation of anaerobic or microaerophilic bacteria by use of gas-generating envelopes or, alternatively, externally introduced gases.^1-3

Prior to the mid-1960s, routine isolation and cultivation of anaerobes from clinical and other specimens was handicapped by the cumbersome methods necessary to achieve anaerobiosis in anaerobic jars.

The performance of anaerobic bacteriology as a routine laboratory procedure was greatly facilitated when, in 1966, Brewer and Allgeier introduced a disposable hydrogen generator envelope and a self-contained anaerobic system which eliminated the requirement for gas cylinders, vacuum pumps and other external equipment.⁴

The GasPak 100 jar with rack holds up to 12, 100 x 15 mm-style Petri dishes. The GasPak 150 jar with rack holds up to 36, 100 x 15 mm Petri dishes; the jar alone will hold 12, 150 x 15 mm-style dishes.

GasPak™ Plus and CampyPak™ Plus are disposable hydrogen and carbon dioxide generator envelopes with integral catalyst, which eliminates the requirement for catalyst pellets in the reaction chambers of GasPak systems when these envelopes are used.

1. Each GasPak system should be tested periodically for its ability to provide adequate conditions for the growth of appropriate bacteria.

2. If visible condensation does not occur within 60 min after a GasPak Plus, or CampyPak Plus envelope is activated, the reaction should be terminated by opening the system. Check the condition of the GasPak 100 or GasPak 150 lid and O-ring gasket as described below.

3. The following quality control checklist, if followed regularly, will help assure proper performance:

a. The GasPak system should be maintained upright at all times while in operation.

b. Gas generating envelopes must be kept upright and cut along the dotted line at the upper right hand corner, as indicated on each envelope. The gas-generating tablets must be present and not displaced or crushed, and the foil channels and reaction chambers must not be crushed or distorted and must be able to accept 10 mL of water. Improper positioning of the envelope or use of a damaged envelope may lead to imbalances in reactivity. Damage may result in spattering and "boiling over" of the contents of the envelope and hence inadequate gas output.

c. Plastic lid and clamp — Inspect for cracks, chips, split O-ring grooves, and other irregularities. Most cracks (craze or stress lines) develop on prolonged use and forced or excessive tightening of clamps on lids. Early cracks may appear as fine black lines near the center of the lid, or along the upper edges of the GasPak 100 clamp near the screw. Cracked lids and clamps which exhibit these fine black lines should not be used.

d. O-ring gasket — Examine for cracks, bumps, dirt, and improper seating in the O-ring groove. Examine O-ring groove wall for splitting or cracking. The O-ring must be resilient, clean and snugly retained within the O-ring groove for satisfactory operation of the system. Replace as necessary.

For Laboratory Use

Hydrogen is a flammable gas. A mixture of hydrogen with oxygen or air in a confined area will explode if ignited by a spark, flame, or other source of ignition. All usual precautions attendant to handling hydrogen gas should be observed when employing GasPak™ Plus hydrogen plus carbon dioxide generator envelopes or CampyPak™ Plus envelopes. The historical incidence rate of reported hydrogen gas ignition is approximately two (2) incidents per million envelopes.

Do not use envelopes if there is evidence of premature activation, which may cause the package to appear bloated.

GasPak Plus hydrogen and carbon dioxide envelopes, and CampyPak Plus hydrogen and carbon dioxide envelopes, are intended for use in properly maintained and operated GasPak 100 jars and GasPak 150 jars. Their use in other systems may yield misleading results and may even be hazardous to laboratory personnel. For satisfactory and safe use, carefully follow the instructions provided with each system.

ANY UNSATISFACTORY ENVELOPE MUST BE CUT OPEN AND EXAMINED FOR INTACT OR PARTI ALLY INTACT TABLETS. ANY REMAINING TABLETS SHOULD BE PLACED IN A CONVENIENT SINK AND DISSOLVED IN FLOWING WATER. DO NOT DISCARD INTACT ENVELOPES.