3 Method Dekontaminasi for Laboratory Equipment

The presence of contamination in laboratory equipment will always occur, even though the level of contamination is still relatively small. The effects of this contamination can spread to many things, including the safety of personnel or operators, sample damage, and equipment damage. These things could make the laboratory activities hampered and inefficient.

For this reason, it is necessary to take preventive measures like the cleaning tools or can also be called tool decontamination which must be carried out regularly and strictly according to the type of contamination and how the tool is used. This is done so that the tools do not get damaged quickly, so even though we carry out decontamination activities, we still have to pay attention to the chemicals used and the cleaning method so that later it will not interfere with the research and experiment process.

The basic cleaning process for general laboratory equipment is all the same, by cleaning them using soap and running water as basic cleaning agents, then using a soft brush to remove residues, and rinsing to remove the soap residue.

Meanwhile, the decontamination process means that we will filter and neutralize contamination and remove it from laboratory equipment. There are 3 methods of decontamination of laboratory equipment that is usually carried out in many laboratories, namely cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization. These 3 decontamination methods are believed to be able to remove contamination effectively and efficiently in laboratory equipment.

Cleaning

Cleaning in this method means that it is carried out thoroughly to hard-to-reach places. Cleaning is carried out before proceeding to the disinfection and sterilization process. The cleaning method is carried out so that organic and inorganic materials and residues can be lifted and do not interfere with further decontamination processes. The cleaning process is usually done manually using water and soap, detergent or other enzymatic products.

Disinfection

The disinfection process is carried out to destroy, eliminate, and reduce the number of pathogenic organisms. However, the disinfection method will not completely kill and eliminate some viruses and special bacterial spores. The following disinfection methods are often used in laboratories:

  • Using chemical disinfectants, such as alcohol, chlorine and their mixtures, formaldehyde glutaraldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, iodophors, ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA), peracetic acid, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide, phenolics, and quaternary ammonium mixtures.
  • Use of various inactivating agents, such as germicides, ultraviolet radiation, pasteurization, flushing, and washing disinfector.

Sterilization

Lastly, the sterilization method. The sterilization method performs the destruction process thoroughly, evenly, and completes all microorganism life on laboratory equipment. Sterilization is carried out based on the conditions and results that are desired and needed. Here are some of the most common sterilization methods:

  • Incineration, which is a tool that burns all objects or tools to be sterilized. Sterilization using an incinerator is not always suitable for use with non-disposable equipment.
  • Autoclave, a closed heating device that is used to carry out the sterilization process of an object using steam at high temperature or pressure (about 1200 Celsius, 15 Ibs) which is carried out for approximately 15 minutes. An autoclave is used to kill pathogenic microorganisms at a certain temperature that can kill endospores.
  • Ethylene Oxide, a gas that can penetrate cells, reach the DNA of microorganisms and kill them through the alkylation process. This is usually done on objects that cannot withstand high temperatures. The use of ethylene oxide is considered risky and dangerous for humans because it can trigger fires and explosions.
  • Hydrogen peroxide vapor and plasma. Plasma can be produced through microwave energy, then passed on to hydrogen peroxide gas molecules containing anions, cathiol, and hydroxyl. These substances can penetrate the instruments or laboratory equipment properly so that they can provide optimal and good sterilization results. The use of plasma to perform sterilization can be done in a short time (about 50 minutes) and does not pose a dangerous risk to humans, but this method requires more costs in the process.

So, that's some information about the methods of decontaminating laboratory equipment. Apart from these 3 methods, you need sophisticated tools to support and expedite the decontamination process.

Find your complete decontamination tools only at Hartech Indonesia. If you are interested in buying our decontamination products or others, please visit and contact us at hartechindonesia.com for more information regarding the product's detailed descriptions and the prices. Hartech is a distributor agent in Indonesia for many reputable and trustworthy brands partners. Hartech Indonesia will provide and support your laboratory or workplace equipment needs and meet your work problem solutions.

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