The Benefits of Using Standard-Sized Petri Dishes in Scientific Studies

Introduction

Petri dishes are an essential tool in microbiology, cell culture, and lab diagnostics. At Mini‑Plast, we manufacture a wide range of high-quality, injection-molded polystyrene Petri dishes, with the 90 mm diameter dish being the global standard. In this guide, you’ll learn how to select and use standard-size Petri dishes for optimal results in your lab or industrial environment.

Standard Dimensions and Availability

The 90 mm Petri dish is the most widely used format worldwide.

Size (Diameter × Height)	Availability	Notes
90 mm × ~15 mm	In stock	Global standard
50 mm × ~14.2 mm	On request	For smaller volume work
60 mm, 100 mm, 150 mm	Custom order	Available for specialty applications

All sizes are made from clear polystyrene, ensuring excellent optical clarity and consistency.

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Clean Room Manufacturing & Sterility

Mini‑Plast Petri dishes are produced in Class 100 clean rooms—the same controlled environments used in medical and semiconductor manufacturing. Learn more about our manufacturing process.

Sterility options:

🧼 Non-sterile: clean-room packaged
☢️ Gamma-sterilized: available upon request for higher-risk lab environments

📌 Related: Why Clean Room Packaging Matters

Key Features of Mini‑Plast Petri Dishes

✅ Flat, distortion-free base for even agar pouring
✅ Optical clarity for accurate observation and imaging
✅ Stackable lids with anti-slip design
✅ Vented and non-vented options available
✅ Grid variants for RODAC-style surface testing (CDC)

When to Choose Each Size

Size	Best For
50 mm	Spot testing, diagnostic kits, low sample volume
90 mm	General microbiology and lab cultures
100–150 mm	Surface testing, fungi, multi-strain assays

Common Applications

Petri dishes are used in many fields:

🧫 Microbiology: culturing bacteria, fungi, yeast
💊 Pharma QC: environmental monitoring and sterility testing
🧃 Food safety: checking for pathogens like E. coli or Listeria
🌱 Plant biology: seed germination or hormone assays
🧪 Environmental testing: air and surface contamination via RODAC plates

Best Practices for Using Petri Dishes

✅ Pre-warm agar to reduce condensation
✅ Pour evenly for consistent colony distribution
✅ Invert during incubation to avoid lid moisture
✅ Use vented for aerobic, non-vented for anaerobic cultures
✅ Don’t overcrowd incubators; maintain airflow

📌 Also Read: Safe Handling of Plastic Labware

Where to Buy

You can order directly from our Petri Dish category page or request custom sizing through our contact form.

📦 Popular item: Standard 90 mm Petri Dish – Mini‑Plast

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the standard size of a Petri dish?

90 mm diameter × ~15 mm height – used globally for microbiological cultures.

Are Mini‑Plast Petri dishes sterile?

They are clean-room packaged by default. Sterile gamma-irradiated versions are available on demand.

Can I get Petri dishes in other sizes?

Yes. We manufacture 50 mm, 60 mm, 100 mm, and 150 mm options. Contact Mini‑Plast for availability.

What’s the difference between vented and non-vented lids?

Vented dishes improve airflow and gas exchange. Non-vented are better for anaerobic growth or when condensation is a concern.

Are these dishes reusable?

Mini‑Plast Petri dishes are intended for single use to ensure sterility and prevent cross-contamination.