Sterilization is the process of removing all forms of life and organic matter from an object or surface by means of heat, chemicals, or radiation. Sterilization in a laboratory incubator is important to maintain an aseptic environment for cell or microorganism culture. The most common method is ultraviolet irradiation, as it is effective and does not damage equipment.
There are several ways to maintain sterile conditions in a laboratory incubator. One way is to use a humidifier to keep the air inside the incubator moist, which prevents the growth of mold and other pollutants. Another way is to use an ultraviolet (UV) light to sterilize the inside of the incubator. UV light kills bacteria and other microorganisms.
To ensure that items inside the incubator are sterile, they should be placed in a closed container or bags. Sealing the container or bag prevents contaminants from entering. Items can also be sterilized before being placed in the incubator.
Suggestions for Proper Sterilization
It is important to control the temperature and humidity level inside the incubator. The temperature should be set to the correct level for the type of crop being grown. The moisture level should be kept at 65% to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.
The incubator should be cleaned periodically. Shelves and walls should be cleaned with a sterile solution, minimizing incubator opening time to avoid contamination.
It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using an incubator.
Misuse can lead to the growth of pollutants.
To maintain sterilization in a laboratory incubator, it is important to clean and disinfect equipment regularly. It is recommended to clean the equipment with a solution of sodium hypochlorite at least once a week. To disinfect the equipment, it is recommended to use a chlorine solution at least once a month and it is important to rinse the equipment with water after disinfecting it, as chlorine can damage the equipment if left in contact for a long time.
Another important aspect of sterilization in a laboratory incubator is the use of air filters. Air filters help maintain an aseptic environment by retaining contaminated particles from the air, so it is recommended to change air filters every six months, or more often if a dust buildup is observed in the equipment.
Safety Measures
A laboratory incubator is an isolation chamber with a temperature and humidity control that is used to grow and maintain living cells or microorganisms. Laboratory incubators are used in a wide variety of medical and scientific applications, and are essential to the success of many experiments and procedures.
Like any other laboratory equipment, laboratory incubators should be operated safely to prevent injury and minimize the risk of contamination. Here are some basic safety measures to follow when operating a laboratory incubator:
- Never touch the inner walls of the incubator without washing your hands. The inner walls of the incubator are covered with a protective plastic layer to prevent contamination, so it is important not to touch them with dirty hands.
- Do not allow foreign objects to enter the incubator. This includes things like jewelry, hair, clothing, papers or any other object that could contaminate the inside of the incubator.
- Do not use the incubator if it is damaged or not working properly. If the incubator is damaged or has problems, immediately inform the laboratory staff.
- Do not use the incubator as storage for materials not related to the experiment. This can contaminate the inside of the incubator and damage equipment.
- Make sure the work area is clean and clear. Keep your work area clean and tidy to avoid contamination inside the incubator.
- Wear suitable gloves and clothing. When working with biological materials, wear suitable gloves and clothing to minimize the risk of contamination.
- Do not smoke, eat or drink in the work area. Work areas in which biological materials are handled should be considered as food-free areas.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using your computer. Be sure to read and understand the manufacturer’s instructions before using the incubator.
Kalstein brand incubators
In this category, our users will find the appropriate accessories for all the equipment they want to use. This includes a wide selection of Incubators belonging to the YR series. Suitable for the use of routine cultures at constant temperature. It is used for constant temperature crops in the medical and healthcare industry, pharmaceutical industry, biochemistry and agricultural research. For medical, pharmaceutical, chemical and agricultural departments and others as a constant temperature incubator.
For more information, we at Kalstein are manufacturers of the best equipment and for this we invite you to review our catalog HERE we have the best advice, so that your purchase is the ideal and at favorable prices. Visit HERE