Flame Free Micro Lab - help! - (Apr/28/2010 )
Hi,
Sorry, I'm not sure if I've posted this in the right place.
I work in a micro lab and we are relocating. Most of what we do is sterility pouring, bioburden testing, and analysis of the environmental monitoring programme.
Currently this is done in a horizontal laminar (very old!) with a bunsen as well. We are looking to get rid of the bunsen and have a flame free lab because of H&S. I know other labs pour high volumes of agar by hand in flame free labs, but I'm not sure of the best equipment to achieve this. We are willing to upgrade essential kit to meet this so the laminar can be replaced, but I'm just not sure of what to look for in a new laminar to eliminate the bunsen. I understand that with the right laminar, we should be able to sterilise with something like IPA or ethanol before pouring and the aseptic environment will be maintained.
If anyone could point me in the right direction, or suggest an alternative method to this, it would be really appreciated!
kb2009 on Apr 28 2010, 07:18 AM said:
Sorry, I'm not sure if I've posted this in the right place.
I work in a micro lab and we are relocating. Most of what we do is sterility pouring, bioburden testing, and analysis of the environmental monitoring programme.
Currently this is done in a horizontal laminar (very old!) with a bunsen as well. We are looking to get rid of the bunsen and have a flame free lab because of H&S. I know other labs pour high volumes of agar by hand in flame free labs, but I'm not sure of the best equipment to achieve this. We are willing to upgrade essential kit to meet this so the laminar can be replaced, but I'm just not sure of what to look for in a new laminar to eliminate the bunsen. I understand that with the right laminar, we should be able to sterilise with something like IPA or ethanol before pouring and the aseptic environment will be maintained.
If anyone could point me in the right direction, or suggest an alternative method to this, it would be really appreciated!
I routinely pour agar plates without flame nor laminar hood... But I always use selective media with ampicillin, kanamycin, chloramphenicol, etc... So far I haven't noticed any serious contamination. It's always wise to play safe, though. I work without flame nor laminar hood simply because I have access to neither of them.
The media preparation person in our building pours 20 000 to 30 000 plates a year for prac classes. All types and varieties and doesn't use a laminar or flame while doing it. I work in a laminar flow with no flame just because it is available. I wipe down the laminar flow with 70% ethanol after starting the laminar flow.