How to disinfect laboratory material safely?
Find out what is the best solution to safely disinfect laboratory equipment and what sanitization services laboratories need.
Cleaning a laboratory is one of the most complicated processes that exist. In part, because the success and safety of the investigations and the product depend on correct sterilization.
Some of the laboratory materials are so sensitive that the slightest contact with any external element can completely derail an investigation or paralyze a production batch. In addition, of course, in many cases, it is necessary to work with completely aseptic materials to guarantee the safety of the researchers, the product, and the line operators.
Due to this, laboratories must pay special attention to cleaning and disinfection tasks, especially when it comes to the material with which the products are made. Any error when disinfecting laboratory material can put the health of both employees and consumers of the product at risk. The risk of contamination and exposure to any harmful substances is high, therefore it is vital to know how to disinfect everything safely and efficiently.
Do you want to know the safest cleaning and disinfection tricks? Do you want to find the best solution to disinfect laboratory equipment?
What is the sterilization of laboratory equipment?
The sterilization or disinfection of laboratory material is a professional cleaning process that consists of completely eliminating any organism that may exist in laboratory materials.
A laboratory item can only be considered completely sterilized when any microbial load has been removed.
This step is the basic one in any task to disinfect laboratory material, completely routine and delicate. A lot of attention and knowledge are needed to ensure that the material is sterilized properly.
What is the best solution for the disinfection of laboratory equipment?
The method to choose for the disinfection of laboratory material will depend on each case. Above all, it is necessary to attend to the type of material that you want to sterilize and the previous use that has been given to it. In any case, it is important that this type of task be carried out by a team of professionals specialized in this work since very specific instruments and technology are necessary to guarantee complete sterilization.
Some of the main disinfection systems are the following:
Autoclave Disinfection Method
This system uses sterilization equipment similar to large hermetically sealed containers. Laboratory materials are introduced into these containers and sterilized with moist heat. The thick layers of the container allow the combination of steam pressure and high temperatures to achieve total disinfection.
For this type of cleaning, we must ensure that the pieces are inserted cleanly since the steam cannot remove the dirt crust.
Dry method of sterilization
This is a variable of the Autoclave in which steam is not used. However, Laboratory cleaning is carried out at a higher temperature and for a longer period of time. This type of disinfection is very useful for preserving laboratory materials since it is less corrosive than autoclaving.
Cleaning with Chemical Methods
To establish a parallel, cleaning with chemical methods is similar to what we can do in a private home. In this type of disinfection, external chemical components intervene manage to eliminate the particles and organisms existing in the laboratory material.
Chemical products can be used both in the liquid, gaseous and solid states, the important thing is to do it carefully since normally these components can be dangerous, and not all viricides are authorized.
Disinfection by ionizing radiation
This method is perhaps the most elaborate of all. Ionizing radiation is used to destroy many organisms since its corrosive power is very high. Through gamma radiation, it can penetrate quickly and directly into laboratory materials and thus achieve sterilization. This method is especially effective for the disinfection of glassware since it does not use heat.
What method is the most effective and safe to disinfect laboratory material?
As previously mentioned, the methods for sterilization are varied. Each one has different characteristics and effectiveness. To find out which method is the best, analyze the main business activity, that is, why and how we use these materials, what materials we work with, what materials we make the work tools of, and so forth.
To disinfect laboratory material safely, the best option is to go to a professional in the cleaning sector, who, in turn, is an expert in the pharmaceutical sector. Carrying out a prior analysis of the situation and its advice can mean an improvement in the quality of your final product and more safety for your workers.
Therefore, it is best to have a specialized partner to sanitize, clean, and disinfect the laboratory safely.
In short, disinfecting laboratory material is a complex task. Since it puts the health of your employees and clients at risk. Neglecting this cleaning task and making a mistake in the chemical handling. The production process can mean the end of the laboratory’s reputation, not to mention sanctions from regulatory authorities.
The pharma sector is one of the most demanding in the market. Disinfecting laboratory material is one of the tasks that have a great impact on the entire production chain.
If you want to know more about how to keep your laboratory in optimal working conditions. Safely, you may be interested in our article.
