11, Dec 2022
Efficient Sterilization Practices For Academic Research Laboratories

Meta Data

If you are interested in learning more about sterilization practices that are safe for laboratories, then you’ve come to the right place. 


How do you make sure that your lab equipment is sterile and most of all, safe? It is best to ensure that you buy an efficient solution that will protect your investment. If you want to make sure that you choose the best one for you, then take a look below.

Steam Sterilization

Steam sterilizing can ensure that your instruments are sterilizable because the steam is heating them to a very high temperature. The temperature at which steam can be heated is usually between 121 and 134 degrees Celsius. It is normally pressured to around 100 kPa. If you want to ensure that the steam sterilizes your samples effectively, you have to make sure that the steam is getting to the loaded samples properly.

Source: Pexels (CC0 License)

Dry Heat

Dry heat sterilization will require a much higher temperature when compared to steam sterilization. This is because the heat needs longer to kill the microbes and kill them. Hot water is not a good option for sterilizing powders that are not suitable for steam sterilization.

Other Heat Methods

There are many heat sterilization techniques that can be used. They include boiling, incineration and flaming. These methods may only be suited to certain products, but either way, by using them you can be sure to find something that works for you.

Sterile Filtration

Sterile filtration is one of the best and easiest methods if you have liquids that you have to sterilize, but that may be damaged by heat. This is a very quick method you can use. It is as simple as simply placing a solution in a filter to sterilize it. What you do is simply pass it through the filter and into a chamber that contains tiny holes that prevent any bacteria from getting in. This method is suited to a range of applications, and it is a great way for you to ensure that you are sterilizing all of your liquid items without exposing them to any kind of extreme heat.

Chemical Sterilization

Chemicals really work very effectively to sterilize any of your samples. This is why you should use them on your medical equipment. It also sterilizes plastics and even sterilizes electronics. The gas that you are using can contain very high levels of chemically active gasses. These include nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and alkylating agents. This includes nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and even alkalizing agents. Depending on the system that you get, this can easily be a solid solution for all of your sterilization needs.

Radiation

It is also possible for you to explore electromagnetic radiation. It is possible to penetrate any kind of bacterial or viral structure and kill it. UV sterilization is good at sterilizing very small sample areas like laminar hoods. X-rays are useful in sterilizing things. They are especially effective on larger surfaces.

 

With so many options available for those who want to sterilize in a lab-based environment, it’s safe to say that it has never been easier for you to find what you are looking for. If you want to ensure that you are getting the best result out of your sterilization, contact Preventative Maintenance Medical today to get started.