methodology for lab fumigation - (Jun/07/2013 )

Hi

What is methodology followed in your lab for fumigation? is there other method for decreasing the microbial load of the lab ?

Thanks

Many vivariums use Ozone to keep the bacteria population in check. You can buy smaller units for household use.

Dear Rick112,

There are a couple of methods you can consider:

a) Formaldehyde fumigation: this is a method used for decontaminating Class II Biological safety cabinets, CO2 Incubators and general lab areas. The equipment and cheicals required are very cheap SO THIS IS THE PREFERRED METHOD IN MOST LABS. The disadvantage of this method is that the formaldehyde gas is very toxic and rooms/lab areas have to be closed which is very inconvenient. This has to be carefully controlled either by use of contractors who are specialists in this technique OR by lab experts in combination with the Institute/Departmental safety advisors (please refer to the link below):-

http://www.research.northwestern.edu/ors/safety/biological/biosafety-manual/cabinet-decontamination.html



Hydrogen Peroxide Vapour (HPV) : This is a relatively new method and the equipment required is very expensive. There are a couple of contract companies who offer this as a service that is inexpensive AND is a convenient way of decontaminating equipment and lab areas (please refer to the link below):-

http://www.bioquell.com/technology/hydrogen-peroxide-vapour/


We use a combination of the two methods above in our 2 research Institutes

I hope you find this a comprehensive and useful answer

Kindest regards

Uncle Rhombus

thanks a lot Rhombus,
that was really helpful