Tips To Reduce Contamination of Samples In Water Baths

Water baths are used to keep the samples and test tubes at a specific temperature over a long period of time for research experiments. Contamination of samples during water baths is a major problem faced by all the lab workers. This happens because of the water used in the tub or from cross contamination from the vessel, gloves or anything that was contaminated and came into contact with the sample before putting it in the bath. The lab workers should follow proper bath cleaning protocols and sanitise all the objects that come in contact with the bath. Scientists can also use other tips like using only distilled water, floating the samples so that the lids can stay dry and always keeping the bath covered to prevent the chances of contamination of the bath. Always keep the baths away from the doorways and direct sun light. Lab algaecide can also be added to the water in the bath to keep it free from contaminants. It also helps to keep the water pure and keep the tanks and the baths clean.

The most useful thing to avoid contamination of samples in water baths is to avoid using water in the bath. Instead they can use metallic thermal conductivity beads or dry heaters. These beads are used in the bath to replace water. The beads are free from harmful germicides and are gas and moisture impermeable. Using beads makes it easy to hold the container in any position without damaging the samples. These beads have a high thermal conductivity and can maintain temperature of + or -180 degrees. Replacing water with these beads avoids contamination of sample through splashing, dripping and any sort of transfer contamination. These beads can also be used in ovens, incubators and freezers due to their versatility. Bead baths also use less energy to heat the samples and help to keep the lab greener.

Dry heaters can also be used in place of water baths to avoid contamination. These heaters are also known as dry blocks heaters. These heaters are used to warm an entire block of test tubes to a uniform temperature. There are many types of heaters available to suit different needs and each have specific uses. The heaters are available in Analog and Digitally controlled versions. These heaters provide source for dry and constant temperature to carry on various research experiments in the lab.

It is an important task for lab workers to reduce contamination of samples. The samples mainly get contaminated in the water baths or due to cross contamination with the objects they come in contact with. To reduce the chances of contamination of water baths, they should be cleaned regularly. Lab algaecide can be added to keep the water clean and prevent contamination. There are other products like dry heaters and metallic thermal conductivity beads which can be used instead of water.

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