Plate Incubation Bags were developed by the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta and the Alabama State Department of Public Health as a result of their search for an improved isolation system. The Gono-Pak method consists of using smeared Thayer-Martin media in a standard 100 mm Petri dish enclosed in a specially made Whirl-Pak® bag with a CO₂ pill. The CO₂ pill liberates the needed CO₂ atmosphere for the proper growth of the Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

This specially made bag may be used in two different ways. Where CO₂ incubators are not available in the system, the smeared Petri dish is placed in the bag with a CO₂ pill and then incubated. The CO₂ remains in the bag sufficiently long to provide the maximum growth of the organisms if present. Where CO₂ incubators are available, Gono bags are ideal for the collector to use to transport smeared plates to the laboratory, or to send the plates by mail or UPS.

Resins used in the extrusion of film for Whirl-Pak® Bags are FDA approved. Bags are manufactured in accordance with the requirements for manufacturers of single service containers for milk and milk products. Capacity is measured in fluid ounces when bag is closed and tab folded over three times. Volume and dimensions are approximate; bags should not be used at temperatures above 180°F (82°C).