An incubation flask to study metabolism of foreign compounds by intestinal microflora

1. The design and procedure for use of an all-glass incubation flask which facilitates the production and maintenance of an anaerobic environment suitable for the study of drug metabolism by intestinal microflora is described. 2. Evaluation was based on monitoring available oxygen with an oxygen electrode. 3. Removal of air by the combination of replacement with hydrogen, a room temperature catalyst and a fluching technique, produced low oxygen levels comparable to vacuum systems without the need for adverse pressure changes.