Dissolve NaCl, sodium barbital, and merthiolate in 900 ml distilled water. Adjust pH to 7.4 with 1 N HCl and/or 1 N NaOH. Bring volume to l liter. Add Noble agar. Melt agar mixture in Arnold steamer. Filter in steamer, while hot, through 2 layers of analytical grade filter paper (e.g., No. 588, Schleicher and Schuell or equivalent). Dispense in small (15-25 ml) portions into 4 oz prescription bottles. Do not remelt more than twice.

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