"Plate" - what is it, definition of the term
A flat serving dish, typically circular or rectangular, is a shallow, rigid surface designed to hold food or laboratory samples for presentation, consumption, or analysis. Constructed from materials such as ceramic, glass, metal, or polymer, it features a smooth interior that prevents adhesion and facilitates cleaning. Standard dimensions range from a few centimeters for individual portions to larger formats for communal serving or experimental setups. The item includes a peripheral rim that contains contents and may be decorated or marked for identification in scientific contexts. Its primary function is to provide an organized, hygienic platform for temporary placement of edible or test substances.
Detailed information
The term refers to a flat, rigid surface commonly employed in laboratory and husbandry settings for rodents such as rats and mice. It provides a defined area for delivering food, water, bedding, or experimental substances, ensuring uniform exposure and easy observation.
Construction typically involves stainless steel, polycarbonate, or glass. Stainless steel offers durability and resistance to corrosion, making it suitable for repeated sterilization. Polycarbonate provides transparency, allowing visual monitoring of animals and substances without removal. Glass ensures chemical inertness, preventing interaction with reactive compounds.
Key functional attributes include:
- Dimensions: Standard sizes range from 90 mm to 150 mm in diameter for circular models and 100 mm × 100 mm to 150 mm × 150 mm for square versions, matching cage interiors and experimental rigs.
- Surface finish: Polished surfaces reduce animal stress and facilitate cleaning; textured variants may improve grip for certain behavioral tests.
- Compatibility: Designed to integrate with cage racks, heating pads, and imaging platforms, allowing seamless transition between housing and data collection phases.
In experimental protocols, the surface serves as the platform for assays such as the open‑field test, where locomotor activity is recorded, or the taste‑preference test, where solutions are presented. Uniformity of the platform minimizes variability caused by uneven distribution of stimuli.
Maintenance procedures involve rinsing with warm water, followed by detergent cleaning and autoclave sterilization at 121 °C for 15 minutes. For glass and polycarbonate, a short soak in a dilute ethanol solution prevents microbial growth without compromising material integrity.
When selecting a suitable platform for rodent work, consider material compatibility with the intended substance, required transparency for observation, and size constraints imposed by the housing system. Proper implementation enhances reproducibility and animal welfare across research and husbandry applications.