Manipulation of cells through elastic films

Manipulation of cells in open dishes is often incompatible with preservatio n of sterility. A dish covered with an elastic or stretchable latex or plas tic film allows manipulation of cells through the film with preservation of sterility of the culture and the integrity of the film. The latter forms a 'microglove' for the instrument tip. The idea of manipulation through a th in transparent film is also applicable to general surgery, so that the surg eon's hand operates through a film and without a glove.