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Inoculation Pack FAQ
What is included in the mushroom inoculation pack?
Each inoculation pack contains:
5 individually wrapped sterile syringes
5 individually wrapped 18G sterile needles
5 alcohol preparation wipes
The pack provides the essential sterile equipment needed for clean and convenient mushroom culture inoculation. Mushroom liquid culture is not included.
What is a mushroom inoculation pack used for?
This mushroom inoculation pack is designed for transferring liquid culture into suitable sterile grain, substrate bags, grow bags and culture media.
It can be paired with our mushroom liquid cultures, 2kg sterilised wheat grain bag or sterile hardwood mushroom grow bag.
Are the syringes and 18G needles sterile?
Yes. The syringes and 18G needles are individually sealed in sterile packaging. Keep each item sealed until immediately before use.
Each syringe and needle is intended for single use. Using a new sterile set for each mushroom culture helps reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
Why are 18G needles used for mushroom liquid culture?
An 18G sterile needle has a suitable opening for transferring most mushroom liquid cultures while remaining compatible with standard Luer-style syringes.
The needle can be used to inject liquid culture through the self-healing injection port of a sterile grain bag or suitable substrate bag.
Does this pack contain mushroom liquid culture?
No. The pack contains sterile inoculation equipment only. Mushroom cultures are available separately from our complete range of mushroom liquid cultures.
Can I use the inoculation pack with a sterilised grain bag?
Yes. The pack is ideal for inoculating a sterile grain bag fitted with a self-healing injection port.
Before inoculation, clean the injection port thoroughly with an alcohol wipe and allow it to dry. Attach a sterile needle to the syringe and inject the required amount of clean liquid culture through the centre of the port.
Our 2kg sterilised wheat grain bag with injection port arrives hydrated, pressure sterilised and ready to inoculate.
Can the pack be used with a hardwood mushroom grow bag?
Yes. The syringes and sterile needles can be used with a suitable hardwood grow bag fitted with an injection port.
Our sterile hardwood mushroom grow bag is designed for many wood-loving gourmet species, including Oyster mushrooms, Lion's Mane, Shiitake and Reishi.
Always check the growing requirements of your chosen mushroom species before selecting a grain or substrate product.
Can I use the syringes to inoculate agar plates?
Yes. A sterile syringe and needle can be used to place a very small drop of liquid culture onto an agar plate.
Our LME agar plates, 10 pack can be used for testing liquid culture, isolating clean mycelium and expanding mushroom cultures before transfer to grain or substrate.
Why does the pack contain five separate syringes and needles?
The five-set format is useful when working with several mushroom cultures. A separate sterile syringe and needle can be used for each culture, helping prevent cultures from being mixed and reducing the risk of cross-contamination.
The additional sets are also useful for keeping spare sterile inoculation equipment available for future projects.
How should I prepare an injection port before inoculation?
Work in a clean, draught-free area and wash your hands thoroughly before handling the equipment.
Clean the working surface.
Wipe the self-healing injection port with an alcohol wipe.
Allow the alcohol to evaporate fully.
Open the sterile syringe and needle only when ready to begin.
Avoid touching the needle, syringe tip or cleaned injection port.
Inject through the centre of the self-healing port.
Can the syringes and needles be reused?
No. The syringes and needles are intended for single use. Reusing inoculation equipment increases the risk of contamination and may transfer microorganisms or mushroom cultures between containers.
For the best results, use a fresh sterile syringe and needle for each separate culture or inoculation session.
Are the alcohol wipes sterile?
The included alcohol wipes are individually sealed preparation wipes intended for cleaning injection ports, surfaces and inoculation points before use.
They should not be used as a substitute for proper sterile technique, a clean working area or sterile equipment.
How should the inoculation pack be stored?
Keep all components sealed in their original packaging until needed. Store the pack in a clean, dry location away from moisture, direct sunlight and excessive heat.
Do not use a syringe or needle if its sterile packaging has been opened, damaged or punctured.
Where is the inoculation pack shipped from?
The inoculation pack is shipped from Ireland, with delivery available to customers across Ireland, the UK, Europe, the United States and Canada. Available shipping services and prices are shown during checkout.
