Wednesday, 26 March 2025

A Comparison between High-Speed and Ultrasonic Homogenizers for Tissue Sample Preparation

 


For tissue homogenisation, laboratory professionals and researchers often face the dilemma when selecting a suitable tissue homogenizer to meet their needs. Typically, there are two types of homogenizers – high-speed and ultrasonic. Although both devices aim to achieve the same goals, which is to break down tissue samples, each one has its set of pros and cons. To streamline the decision, you need to analyse the features, advantages, and disadvantages of both the devices to make the right decision but first let us understand what tissue homogenization is.

Things to know about tissue homogenisation

Tissue homogenisation is a process where tissue samples undergo disruption to extract nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, and various cellular components. The primary reason for researchers to conduct this process in the laboratory is to break the cells without damaging the parts that are to be used for further analysis. Now, what’s really important is the method of homogenisation as it may impact both the quantity and quality of various extracted materials.

There are two ways to achieve homogenisation – using high-speed and ultrasonic devices. Here is a detailed account of high-speed vs ultrasonic homogenizer for you to choose the right equipment.

High-speed tissue homogenizer

A high speed tissue homogenizer comprises a motorized system operating at very high speed that is enough to shear the tissues. In this device, the movement of the rotating blades help in breaking down tissues into very small particles.

Usually, the sample tissue is placed in a homogenisation tube and the rotor blades are submerged into the samples. When the rotor spins very fast, it creates an amount of force that helps in breaking down the tissues and the release of intracellular components.

Pros of high-speed tissue homogenizer

Wondering what makes the high-speed homogenizer a suitable device for studying the intracellular components?  Here is what you need to know:

  • Efficiency and speed

A high speed tissue homogenizer can break down volumes of samples in one go and this is particular useful for laboratories where homogenisation of multiple tissue samples need to take place within a short time.

  • Scalability

This type of homogenizer is available in a wide range of sizes which makes it easy to choose one that suits your workspace.  So, you can get small handheld units or larger models for small and large volume applications.

  • Versatile device

The high-speed device is capable of handling various types of tissues, whether soft or hard like liver and muscles without requiring specialised attachments.

  • Consistency

Due to high shear force that the rotor generates, the homogenization achieved is consistent across multiple samples.

  • Cost-effective

High speed homogenizers are usually more cost-effective compared to ultrasonic homogenizers when you compare its capacity of processing high-volume and multiple samples.

Cons of high-speed homogenizer

Here are a few disadvantages of high-speed tissue homogenizer:

  • Generation of heat

Due to high-speed rotational motion, high-speed tissue homogenizers often generate very high amount of heat, causing degradation of heat-sensitive compounds when the setup is not controlled carefully.

  • Damage to samples

While high-shear forces are useful for disrupting tissues, it may also lead to damage in the samples, especially for those intracellular components that are sensitive to mechanical stress.

  • Limited control

While homogenizers are good for disruption of tissues, it lacks the fine control that is needed for those applications where precision matters like handling fragile or delicate samples.

Ultrasonic homogenizer

The ultrasonic homogenizer uses very high-frequency sound waves also called ultrasound to disrupt tissue samples. Here, repaid pressure changes take place in the liquid medium and create small bubbles that explode and create shear forces that leads to disruption of tissues.

You need to just place the samples in the liquid medium and a probe that emits ultrasound waves, which cause the tissues to disrupt and release of cellular components.

Pros of ultrasonic homogenizer

If you want to delve into the differences in homogenisation, here is a detailed of the advantages of using an ultrasonic homogenizer ad here they are:

  • Reduced generation of heat

Although ultrasonic homogenizers generate a lot of heat, they can perform equally well in cooler environments and reduce the risk of thermal damage to a great extent. That is one of the reasons why they are preferred for heat-sensitive samples.

  • Control and precision

Ultrasonic devices offer good control over the process of homogenisation and allow users to adjust various parameters like amplitude, power, and time to achieve the desired results. This is especially useful for those tissue samples that are highly delicate.

  • Homogenisation in smaller volumes

With this device, processing small volumes of samples are good for different research applications. The ultrasonic homogenizers are highly useful for situations where researchers need to obtain high throughput with limited amount of samples.

  • Good for tough materials

When it comes to disruption of tough tissue samples, ultrasonic homogenizers are highly effective. Samples comprising tough and fibrous tissues that are otherwise difficult to homogenize becomes easy with this device.

Cons of ultrasonic homogenizer

You need to get glimpses of the reasons why you might avoid using an ultrasonic homogenizer:

  • Time and cost

Although ultrasonic homogenizers are deemed as appropriate for smaller samples, the processing time shoots for large volumes of samples.  Moreover, they are usually more expensive than high speed homogenizers.

  • Scalability is limited

These devices are not useful for large-scale homogenization due to smaller probe size and restricted power of processing, making them largely suitable for smaller samples.

  • Inconsistent results

The efficiency of homogenization using the ultrasonic device depends on various factors like volume and types of samples and the positioning of the probe. That way, the results you obtain may become inconsistent.

Both high-speed tissue homogenizers and ultrasonic homogenizers are indispensable tools for disruption of tissues. Each has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of speed, versatility, and efficiency and processing volumes. You need to identify your specific needs before making the decision. Here is how you need to identify your needs:

  • For large volumes of tissue samples and multiple samples, a high-speed tissue homogenizer is a cost-effective option for laboratories
  • For tough and fibrous tissues like seeds, bone, and plant materials, the ultrasonic homogenizer provides better results.
  • For processing small volumes of samples one at a time, the ultrasonic homogenizer provides better control but it won’t be useful for multiple samples
  • For laboratories running under shoestring budget, the high-speed tissue homogenizer is most versatile for generic tissue disruption.

At IGene Labserve, one of the renowned manufacturers and suppliers of high-grade laboratory devices, you just have to place your order right away. Navigate here https://www.igenels.com/ to check our lab equipment.

Monday, 10 March 2025

The Role of Precise Temperature Regulation in High-Speed Centrifugation

 


High speed centrifugation in one of the techniques used widely across molecular biology and biochemistry labs. Furthermore, it is also used for medical research. The device makes samples spin at very high speed for the components to separate based on their density, size, and shape. Although centrifugation is one of the powerful tools used for preparing samples, the process is equally sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Therefore, temperature control in high-speed cooling centrifuge is a matter of concern for researchers; the more precise the temperature better is the outcome.

What is high-speed centrifugation?

High speed centrifugation is the method of spinning samples at extremely high speed of over 10,000 RPM. The main goal of this equipment is separating different components of a sample like nucleic acids, proteins, macromolecules, and organelles. Usually, the centrifugal force that the device generates during spinning makes the particles move to different layers within the sample, which is known as sedimentation. The technique in various applications like:

  • Purification of proteins where specific proteins are isolated from within a mixture
  • Extraction of RNA or DNA where nucleic acids need to separate from cellular debris
  • Cell pellets that takes place in laboratories for analysis

Role of temperature in high-speed centrifuge

Temperature plays a vital role in high-speed centrifugation and impacts the efficiency of the separation process as well as the integrity of the samples.

Read here to understand the significance and role of temperature regulation in high-speed centrifugation devices:

  1. Preventing degradation of samples

One of the primary issues that arise during high-speed centrifugation is the risk of sample degradation. When it comes to biological samples like enzymes, nucleic acids, and proteins, temperature-controlled centrifuge is a more realistic solution.

The reason is that it helps control the high heat that generates during the process and prevents the formation of unwanted thermal effects. Due to excessive heat, the function and structure of various biomolecules may be altered and proteins undergo denaturation, and enzymes lose their catalytic activity. At the same time, nucleic acids may be damaged due to oxidative degradation or hydrolysis. That is why having control over temperature is a must-have during the centrifugation process.

  1. Optimising the efficiency of sedimentation

Uncontrolled temperature may affect the sedimentation process as well. During high-speed centrifugation, the particles separate based on their density and size. Now, the speed of movement of the particles depends not only on the force applied but the viscosity of the medium. As temperature impacts the viscosity of liquids, it tends to reduce when the temperature is high.

Due to reduced viscosity, the rate of sedimentation may change when working with complex or sensitive samples. With temperature control, viscosity becomes stable and the separation of components takes place appropriately. Eventually, the accuracy of the experiment improves to a great extent.

  1. Minimises the build-up of heat

The process of spinning a sample in a cooling centrifuge is bound to generate very high heat due to fast movement. With increased speed of spinning, the heat production increases. Now, unless the heat dissipates faster, it may lead to an abnormal increase of sample temperature and create an effect of localized heat. Due to such fluctuations in temperature, the variability of the sedimentation process changes greatly and the results become inconsistent. Keeping the temperatures low prevents buildup of excessive heat and the reliability of the results improves greatly.

  1. Boosting the recovery of samples

One of the objectives of using a high speed cooling centrifuge device is boosting the recovery of samples like cells, nucleic acids, and proteins. Without regulating the temperature, the nature of the sample may be compromised greatly and the yield goes down as well.

For instance, when the temperature builds up beyond limits, the fragile calls may be destroyed. That is why controlling the temperature in a high-speed cooling centrifuge is essential to recover the target components of the sample, resulting in good yield and desired results.

  1. Improving reliability of the results

Centrifugation is a standardised process taking place in scientific research fields. However, temperature fluctuations often lead to inconsistencies between successive runs. For instance, when one run takes place at a specific temperature, which is higher than the other, the proteins might denature faster than expected, resulting in the variation of results.

So, you are familiar now that temperature control is an essential aspect of high-speed centrifugation. It is one of the most important considerations that one needs to consider as it impacts the reliability of the entire process. It is necessary to maintain low and constant temperatures throughout the process of centrifugation to ensure that the sensitivity of the samples remain intact. At IGene Labserve, one of the best-known suppliers of lab equipment, we sell top-grade equipment for laboratories. Navigate the website here https://www.igenels.com/  to learn more about the prices and the features of lab equipment.

Monday, 24 February 2025

What to Expect at a Pharmaceutical Equipment and Machinery Expo?

 


Pharmaceutical machinery expos are mainstream and crucial events bringing under one roof manufacturers, innovators, and professionals. They have merged as dynamic platforms for networking, sharing knowledge and showcasing innovative technology and solutions. Amptech India Pharma Machinery Expo 2025 is one of those events where seasoned laboratory tech manufacturers and suppliers will expectedly share the platform with newcomers to shape the world of innovation.

Here are the things one needs to expect during the machinery expo:

  1. Showcasing the pharmaceutical machinery

The primary aspect of any pharmaceutical machinery expo is showcasing the latest and innovative machines that are slated to transform the industry. From incubators, shakers to water baths, fume hoods, laminar air flow bench and other equipment, the expos usually present the most advanced solutions that will expectedly improve the quality, efficiency, and other aspects in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry. Here is the list of IGene Labserve products you are to come across in the Amptech Expo:

  • Laboratory fume hoods
  • Laminar air flow bench
  • Cooling incubator shaker
  • Digital water bath
  • Biosafety cabinet class II
  • Carbon-dioxide incubator
  • Gel documentation system
  • Freeze dryer
  • High-speed refrigerated centrifuge
  • Double beam spectrophotometer
  • Rotary evaporator
  • Vacuum controller

By participating in Amptech India Pharma Machinery Expo 2025, manufacturers can provide live demonstration of machines and offer insights into the benefits as well as the functionality. Moreover, the buyers get a chance to personally interact with equipment manufacturers and move forward their queries regarding the specifications and the capabilities of these machines.

  1. Innovative solutions and cutting-edge technology

The pharmaceutical expos are a hub for discovering the latest advancements in the field of technology. As the industry is fast moving towards innovation and automation, the laboratory equipment manufacturers are also trying to catch up with the latest trends that are likely to shape the industry within the next few years. While the visitors get first-hand account of how the equipment works and also ask questions about the application of this device.

  1. Industry trends and regulations

The pharmaceutical industry has witnessed rapid changes in the recent years and not just the products but the trends and regulations as well. No wonder, these expos serve as a wonderful place and allow the manufacturers and buyers to stay informed about the latest developments. So, the manufacturers and buyers may hear about the following:

  • Market trends: The industry is not restricted today and has spread wings across the world. That way, none may learn about regulations and manufacturing of equipment in different regions. Also, companies expand their knowledge about domestic as well as international growth.
  • Regulatory changes: The regulatory bodies that control the standard of manufacturing goods in the pharmaceutical industry update their standards.

 

  1. Workshops and sessions

The Amptech India Pharma Machinery Expo 2025 will also have workshops and educational sessions on the latest trends. Such industry-led sessions are held by experts and cover the recent changes and trends in the machinery as well as the best practices to follow for safety and optimisation.

Overall, the Amptech India Pharma Machinery Expo 2025 that is to be held in Sidcul, Hardwar, Uttarakhand is going to be home for the best-known and reliable equipment manufacturers. Attending this event is going to open the eyes of participants to networking, learning about the latest technologies, and seeking opportunities of partnerships.

From live demonstrations to workshop and sessions, the companies are gearing to showcase their areas of expertise for the upcoming expo. If you are a participant, expect to gain invaluable experience to propel your business forward. IGene Labserve is one of the participants of this expo and will expectedly showcase various products that may revolutionise their business and the industry as a whole during the coming years.

Friday, 24 January 2025

How to Prolong the Life of High-Speed Tissue Homogenizer with Effective Maintenance?

 


High speed tissue homogenizers are extensively used across biological, biochemical, and pharmaceutical industries. They are primarily used to break down various cells and tissues into smaller size to carry out further analysis as well as helps in protein extraction and DNA or RNA analysis. So, it’s clear that maintaining the high speed tissue homogenizer is vital to ensure consistency of performance, extension of its lifespan, and minimizes the downtime. That is why we will explore here a few maintenance tips that may help increase the life of a homogenizer.

Listed below are some vital maintenance tips of a high speed tissue homogenizer that helps prolong its life:

  1. Scheduling inspections

Scheduled inspection is pivotal to ensure that the laboratory tissue homogenizer stays in good shape. You can schedule weekly, monthly, or yearly maintenance based on the condition of the equipment and its functionality. With these inspections, you will find it easier to spot the issues and conduct maintenance tasks to make sure that the homogenizer delivers the desired outcome. Usually high-speed tissue homogenizers require inspection more frequently compared to those that function under low-pressure.

  1. Storing the homogenizer

It is not just about maintaining the equipment but storing it properly makes a difference as well.  So, what are the storing techniques of the equipment you need to follow?  The first step is storing the homogenizer in cool and dry environment and far away from moist and humid places that may damage the motor coils and electrical components.

Furthermore, one needs to safeguard the device from contaminants and dust. The best solution is to cover the machine with a protective cover to prevent the dust from not entering the motor or probes. Finally, the components of the device like the adapters, additional rotors, and probes stay inside dedicated storage cases. Not handing the smaller parts of the device properly may lead to incessant damage.

  1. Cleaning and sanitisation of the equipment

Just like other laboratory devices, a high-speed tissue homogenizer needed in the field of biomedical research must undergo regular cleaning. Naturally, after using the device each time, cleaning ensures that you can eliminate the chances of contamination, maintain the functionality of the motor as well as the other components. Although special cleaners may be needed for removing the tissue or protein buildup, you must avoid using harsh chemicals for cleaning may degrade the quality of parts, especially the metal-made components. After cleaning, the components must be made dry to prevent corrosion and rusting.

  1. Maintaining and lubricating the moving parts

Some of these devices contain moving parts like shafts and motors which when not lubricated properly might result in wear and tear. However, do not over-lubricate the device as it may attract more contaminants and dust, resulting in corrosion and clogging. So, try to apply only a small amount of lubricant and check the parts for overheating. Overheating in a high speed tissue homogenizer may lead to reduced performance or failure of motor.

  1. Maintaining the motor and electrical system

Are you aware that the motor is the heart and soul of the homogenizer? If you aren’t, you need to conduct proper maintenance of these systems for the equipment to function properly. The motor also attracts debris and dust that often accumulates in the housing, which may result in short circuit and overheating. So, the housing must stay clean.

Besides, the electrical cables need to be examined for signs of corrosion, wear and tear as well as fraying. So, the moment you notice any damage, you must replace them as soon as possible to keep the chances of faults at bay. At the end, check the power supply thoroughly to ensure that it is stable and consistent. Power interruptions or surges may result in permanent damage.

  1. Follow the specifications during usage

High speed tissue homogenizers are used for specific purposes. However, researchers often mishandle this device or rely on them beyond the recommended usage. That is why you must never overload the machine with enormous samples as it will strain the motor and lower the lifespan of the device. Furthermore, the tissues must undergo adequate preparation based on the guidelines of the manufacturer for proper homogenization.

So, you are familiar with all those maintenance tips that are going to play a key role in extending the life of your laboratory tissue homogenizer. You need to simply dedicate your time and effort to keep the device functioning properly for years. At IGene Labserve, we have mastered the art of manufacturing top-grade laboratory equipment. So, just take a look here https://www.igenels.com/ and order right away.

Thursday, 9 January 2025

Real Time PCR Vs Traditional PCR: A Guide to Choosing the Right One for Your Lab

 


Polymerase chain reaction or PCR is a technique used in molecular biology to analyse and enlarge RNA and DNA samples. It is widely used for conducting research, maintaining quality control, and in the field of diagnostics. However, when buying a PCR machine, you may feel confused when choosing between traditional or real-time machine. There are differences between traditional or endpoint PCR and real-time or quantitative PCR machine. You need to know the differences between the devices to understand which one is the right fit for your laboratory.

What is a traditional PCR machine?

Traditional PCR is a well-established and familiar technique that has been used in laboratories for decades. It helps augment the RNA and DNA sequence through repetition of cooling and heating cycles. That way, the DNA strands become separated and aid in DNA replication. Once the cycles are completed, the visualisation process takes place through gel electrophoresis.

The products that have been amplified are then stained with a dye; thereafter the intensity of bands on the gel shows the quantity of enlarged DNA. Although the traditional PCR machine performs reliably and has been used in research, forensic science, and diagnostics for a long time, it fails to meet the gaps when it comes to quantitative analysis and real-time data acquisition. So, when buying the best PCR machine for labs, you need to analyse the features and specifications of both to make an informed decision.

What is a real-time PCR?

A real-time PCR machine also called quantitative PCR scores over the traditional machine in several different ways. When using this machine, you need not wait until the completion of PCR to analyse and amplify DNA but come to know about the quantification when the DNA is amplified. This is possible through the monitoring of fluorescence that emits during the amplification process and provides continuous data in real-time. The fluorescence generates due to specific dyes that usually bind to the target DNA. Now, when the reaction progresses further, the fluorescence emitted binds with the quantity of DNA that undergoes amplification and eliminate the need to wait for the completion of PCR.

Undoubtedly, real-time PCR is a highly versatile method and extensively used for gene expression analysis, detection of mutation, viral load, and more.  The ability of this machine to measure DNA and RNA in real-time makes it a valuable tool for clinicians and researchers.

Understanding the key differences between traditional and real-time PCR

Here are the differences between real-time and traditional PCR machine:

  • Quantification
  1. The traditional PCR is limited when providing qualitative data and helps you identify whether a particular DNA sequence is present or absent in the sample. However, it cannot tell the amount of DNA in real-time and you need to wait till the completion of PCR analysis. Naturally, the quantification of DNA is not precise.
  2. Real time PCR helps in precise quantification of data. The fluorescence that emits during the process of amplification allows researchers measure the amount of RNA and DNA within the samples at each cycle.

 

  • Detection method
  1. The traditional PCR is a highly sensitive machine and can detect even the lowest amount of DNA but it is restrained by post-PCR analysis. Naturally, it cannot detect low quantity of the target DNA.
  2. Real-time PCR is relatively more sensitive compared to the traditional PCR. As DNA amplification is constantly monitored, DNA and RNA can be detected early in low-quantity samples.

 

  • Effective timing
  1. Traditional PCR takes a few hours to complete and you need to wait until post-PCR analysis to visualise the results. Naturally, you need more time to complete the entire experiment.
  2. Real-time PCR delivers quick results as the quantification and amplification process takes place simultaneously. So, there is no need for you to wait until post PCR analysis. Naturally, the time taken is less, especially for high-throughput applications.

 

  • Cost
  1. The traditional PCR machines are more affordable compared to real-time PCR systems. However, you need to spend additionally for consumables, gel electrophoresis reagents like agarose gel and DNA staining agents. Therefore, the traditional PCR machines may add to the cost due to these requirements.
  2. Real-time PCR machines are more expensive than traditional machines in terms of investment and maintenance but the accuracy of data justifies the cost to a great extent. So, if you analyse the real-time PCR machine benefits that way, making an informed decision is easier.

When choosing between traditional and real-time PCR machines, a lot depends on the specific requirements of the laboratory. So, if you are working with samples with low RNA and DNA abundance, real-time PCR machine is the right choice. However, if you are conducting basic DNA analysis where the most important thing is the absence and presence of a specific DNA sequence, the traditional PCR machine is more important. At IGene Labserve, we sell top-notch quality of laboratory equipment. Just explore the models here https://www.igenels.com/ and order the equipment you need right away.

Tuesday, 24 December 2024

How Bead Beater Homogenizers Improve Protein Yield and Minimize Sample Degradation?

 


Protein extraction is one of the most crucial steps in various biotechnological and biochemical research in laboratories. The aim of this procedure is extracting proteins from biological samples while maintaining their functionality and integrity for further analysis. That is how bead beater homogenizers have emerged as an essential tool in the process of protein extraction. The efficiency of a bead beater homogenizer is revolutionizing the field of biotechnology to a great extent.

Let us find out how a bead beating homogenizer improves the efficiency of protein extraction:

1.      Mitigating  contamination of samples

Any research worker is familiar with how sample contamination can affect the reliability and quality of protein extraction. Bead beating homogenizers are highly effective for cell disruption within a closed system, thereby reducing cross-contamination between samples. Usually, homogenizers have single-use tubes for running the operations and reduce the chances of contamination greatly. That way, homogenizers are perfect for all those applications where sample integrity and purity plays a vital role. No wonder these devices are worthy of use in high-precision experiments and proteomics.

2.      Disruption of cells

One of the major challenges of protein extraction is breaking the cells to allow them to release proteins. With bead beating homogenizers, you can expect mechanical agitation occurring at the highest speed and create maximum impact by shaking small beads within the sample. When these beads confront and collide with the cell, it leads to mechanical disruption of membranes and cell walls. In this manner, its efficiency becomes noticed when breaking tough cell walls in bacterial samples as well as cell walls in plants. Moreover, cell lysis efficiency also improves radically, ensuring maximum yield of proteins. However, you need to follow bead beater homogenizer protocol for desired outcome.

3.      Versatility and scalability

Bead beating homogenizers are available in a wide range of models to process different sizes of samples. So, whether it is for large or small quantities of samples needed for laboratory applications, you just need to check if it is the right model to sit your needs. 

Due to versatility and scalability of the right model of bead beating homogenizer, it has come to be one of the most indispensable tools in various production settings and laboratories. No matter what your requirements are for processing the smallest amount of protein or up to several litres of samples, bead beaters are capable of producing the most efficient results. For same sample sizes, the model chosen ensures high level of standardization.

4.      Consistency of results

Achieving consistent results is the key to any scientific process. Bead beating homogenizers make the disruption process uniform for varied range of samples, ensuring consistency during the extraction of proteins. Wondering how? The mechanical force that the device applies on the samples is distributed evenly, allowing it to create the best results. The perfect blend of bead size, time, and speed can be fine-tuned in this device to boost the process of extraction. Due to this consistency of results, the bead beater homogenizer proves its usage in clinical and research settings in the field of biotechnology.

5.      Time is of essence

Just like several other processes in the field of biotechnology, bead beating homogenizers can rev up the protein extraction process. However, you cannot achieve the desired outcome unless you understand the significance of time. That is why bead beating homogenizers are being extensively used today; the fast mechanical action of the beads moves ahead for faster protein release and lysis, reducing the processing time greatly. The enhanced efficiency level can be greatly reduced in high-throughput applications where sensitivity of time plays a significant role. Researchers too are keener to use this device in place achieve time-sensitive results when process a large number of samples in record time.

6.      Reduces protein degradation

Degradation of proteins poses a serious risk during protein extraction, resulting in the loss of valuable samples. The advantage of using the bead beating homogenizer is that it helps adjust the intensity and speed of the beating process, allowing researchers break the cells.

This is especially important to ensure that the proteins remain intact during the process of homogenization. It serves as a perfect device during isolation of sensitive proteins where preservation of downstream applications is crucial like in mass spectrometry, Western blotting, and enzyme assays.

Bead beater homogenizers have transformed the way protein extraction takes place in laboratories.  Undoubtedly, it improves the efficiency of protein yield with high scalability and processing times. With the rising demand of high-quality protein extraction, it’s time to explore bead beater homogenizer price to get the right device for your laboratory. IGene Labserve is one of the most trusted places to order the best-quality laboratory equipment. Navigate here to explore the specifications of various models and create a revolution in proteomics.

Tuesday, 10 December 2024

3 Common Fume Hood Errors You Must Avoid to Ensure Lab Safety

 


Fume hoods is among the safety devices used in laboratory settings. Unfortunately, even the best make and model of laboratory fume hoods may fall short of efficiency and safety when you fail to comply with the safety protocols within the laboratory. Keep in mind that the slightest mistake in handling the fume hood may lead to dangerous consequences.

So, here is a lie up of the fume hood mistakes and what you should do about them:

1.      Not having the training to handle the fume hood

You might have been working in the laboratory for a long time ad have a wealth of knowledge about the device and how they run. However, that does not certify that you are good to handle the fume hood as well. Anyone handling this device needs to have adequate training. That way, they won’t put the samples as well the workspace exposed to risks. If you have new people joining the laboratory research team, make sure to train them adequately and give them necessary instructions about mishandling the equipment.

2.      Not maintaining the required distance from the fume hood

One of the major lab safety errors that occur when working with a fume hood is not maintaining a safe distance from the fume hood.  In the event of fire or explosion, the people working near the fume hood are prone to sustain maximum injuries. A laboratory must not allow more people to stay near the fume hood, especially near the opening. A good way to prevent accidents would be placing the hood face in a location so that people don’t need to come in front of it.

Apart from this, you must ensure that things are not taken out of the hood and no ventilation is directed toward it like the HVAC ductwork or portable fans. It might disrupt the airflow and allow the contaminants to come out and cause exposure. Even the chemicals used need to be kept at a safe distance about six inches away from the face opening to maximise safety.


3.      Not testing the fume hood regularly

You need to follow several guidelines and comply with the safety standards when working with the hood. Among the most important safety protocols you need to follow is not testing the hood regularly. With this, you can ensure that the equipment is in good working order, capable of complying with the safety regulations, and can safeguard the workers as well as the quality of the samples. It is not hard to avoid these mistakes; all that is needed is proper knowledge for protecting laboratories and handling the fume hood.

4.      Storing chemicals inside the hood for  long period

You can store chemicals inside the laboratory fume hood when it is in operation but they are conventionally not designed for storing chemicals. When items are kept within the hood, it can cause unnecessary turbulence. As a result, the contaminants may spill out of the equipment. Typically, the airflow that comes out of the hood is stronger than what is required for storing closed containers. If you have concerns about storing chemicals, it needs to stay within safety cabinet that are approved for this purpose.

5.      Handling emergencies

Safety of fume hoods is crucial and is centred on technical expertise. Laboratory worker need to have proper training and education to keep mistakes at bay. However, accidents may still occur and pose risks to workers. Fr instance, if an employee notices chemical spills coming out of the equipment, the matter is to be immediately reported to the supervisors and everyone who are in charge of the laboratory. The first thing to do is deactivation of the device immediately when you notice signs of trouble.

Fume hoods are an integral part of most laboratories. So, using it properly ensures that it operates efficiently and the lab spared of risks that may lead to accidents. Every laboratory worker needs to ensure safe working environment in the laboratory and avoid the basis errors in handling the equipment.

Aare you looking forward to ordering a new fume hood that is safe and reliable for laboratory usage?  At IGene Labserve, we manufacture top-grade lab equipment and cater to a wide clientele. Get in touch with us here https://www.igenels.com/ to explore laboratory fume hoods and place the order today.

A Comparison between High-Speed and Ultrasonic Homogenizers for Tissue Sample Preparation

  For tissue homogenisation, laboratory professionals and researchers often face the dilemma when selecting a suitable tissue homogenizer ...