5 Lab Cleaning Tips

Even though scientists and medical experts are competent and qualified individuals, they are not always tidy. As a result, it is not unusual to find a laboratory space littered with powdered substances and sinks full of unclean labware. Keeping a laboratory unsoiled is extremely essential because microorganisms and chemicals can quickly pollute incubators, freezers, and benches without appropriate cleaning protocols, leading to a hazardous space for samples and researchers. Our experts in dermatopathology in Pittsburgh, PA, suggest the following tips for keeping your site clean and safe.

Assemble a cleaning schedule

Lab work can be messy, which makes scheduling cleaning time aggravating. But without appropriate cleaning protocols in place, your dirty lab may force your samples to become polluted. A laboratory information management system (LIMS) can help effectively supervise your time in the lab. It can help control inventory and workflow, analyze results, and organize advanced lab cleaning hours. In addition, it allows lab users to make examinations of the cleaning requirements and match specific lab users with particular cleaning tasks to create responsibility and guarantee cleaning procedures are completed.

Clean lab spaces regularly

Routine cleaning makes a lab secure and efficient. You should conduct basic cleaning with every trial or experiment to prepare the space for the next person who requires it. This kind of cleaning also assists with keeping the area sterile and free of powdered or liquid chemicals that may be dangerous to somebody who does not know what they are. Every lab should have a weekly cleaning plan for emptying biohazard receptacles, dusting benches, washing lab surfaces, and equipment upkeep.

Use proper cleaning tools

It is crucial to use the correct cleaning solutions for various surfaces and objects within the lab. In general, most labware should be cleansed with soap and water in the sink immediately after use to discourage residue buildup. However, some chemicals demand unique cleaning solutions to assist with buildup removal. In addition, bleach sprays or ethanol can be used on nearly any surface to eradicate viral, fungal, or bacterial contaminants, though some labs use specialized cleaning products for decontamination. There are also unique sprays available to terminate any radioactive substances utilized in your lab.

Dispose of old samples or reagents

Spoiled reagents and old specimens that no longer hold significance should be disposed of properly. Your LIMS or lab texts can help you determine how long specimens have been stored. In addition, LIMS will permit disposal dates to be scheduled for reagents.

Defrost lab freezers

Lab freezers should be scrubbed out and defrosted regularly to protect energy costs and make it easier to get samples. Do not forget to set up containers to contain the melting ice so that you do not come back to a wet floor when the defrosting is done.

These are just a few tips to keep lab spaces secure and clean. Contact us today for more details on dermatopathology in Pittsburgh, PA.