How do I sample viscous fluids, such as lotions or creams using microslides?

There are two techniques for sampling viscous fluids.

TECHNIQUE 1
1. Measure a 1mL sample using a sterile graduated cylinder.
2. Either pipette or carefully pour (using aseptic technique) the sample onto the paddle. Tilt the paddle at a 15-degree angle, allowing the sample to flow by first impacting the “top” of the paddle, then flowing down towards the “bottom” (opposite side) of the paddle. A Thinly-applied film should be made. The surface area of paddle is approximately 10 square centimeters.
3. Insert the paddle back into the vial and incubate in an UPRIGHT position. (There should not be sample dripping downward, but even so, it should not harm the agar growing surface.)
4. Counts are expressed as CFU/cm3.

TECHNIQUE 2
1. Use a sterile cotton swab (or other sterile transfer device such as a loop) to collect material to be sampled.
2a. Non-Quantitative Application: Apply sample to agar paddle surface as a thin film using aseptic technique.
2b. Quantitative Application: A known amount (1mL) of sample is aseptically applied to the top edge of the paddle, then spread using a loop (or similar spatula-type device) over the remaining 10 square centimeter paddle surface.
3. Insert the paddle back into the vial and incubate in an UPRIGHT position.
4. Counts are expressed as CFU/cm3 (when a 1mL sample is applied).