Evaluation of an automated agar plate streaker.

An automated agar plate streaker was evaluated. The Autostreaker mechanizes the agar plate streaking process by providing storage for plates, labeling and streaking one or more plates for either isolation or quantitation, and stacking in one of several racks for subsequent incubation. Results showed the Autostreaker to produce agar plates with well-separated colonies and accurate colony counts. A total of 1,930 clinical specimens were processed either in parallel with manual methods or solely by the Autostreaker. Technologist acceptance of machine-streaked plates was outstanding.