Every task that is performed in laboratories related to medical and research need to have an environment that is clean and sterile. For this to happen, there is something known as Laminar flow cabinets that keep the contamination caused by dust and particulate matter to a minimum. The work of Laminar cabinets is to facilitate the flow of air inside [...]

Freeze drying, a process that uses ultra-low temperatures and high-pressure vacuums to dehydrate and preserve specimens, is omnipresent in the pharmaceutical and diagnostic sectors. Also known as lyophilisation, the process extracts water in vapour form and leaves behind a bone-dry specimen that’s much easier to store, transport and analyse. Below, we explore how freeze drying is used in the pharmaceutical [...]

An ultrasonic cleaner is a cleaning device that uses ultrasound (usually from 20–400 kHz) and an appropriate cleaning solvent (sometimes ordinary tap water) to clean delicate items. Ultrasonic cleaners are used to clean metal, plastic, glass, ceramic, dirt, grease oil and more. Ultrasonic cleaning saves manual cleaning, shortens cleaning time, Can be cleaned in narrow places, small holes that can [...]

Chemicals are a high-risk hazard in most laboratories, making best practice storage a fundamental component of laboratory safety. Without strict protocols in place laboratories jeopardise the safety of both research personnel and the wider community. So how are chemicals stores safely in labs? Read on as we explore some of the factors to consider when storing chemicals safely in laboratories. [...]

Effective sterilisation methods are essential in any laboratory, whether researchers are working with deadly viruses, patient blood samples or toxic chemicals. Not only do sterilisation methods prevent contaminants from infiltrating samples and affecting research outcomes, but they also ensure no microbes, pathogens or other unwanted matter escapes the laboratory. Research teams use a variety of methods to sterilise laboratories, with some of the most [...]

Plastic is no longer fantastic. Nadine Bellamy-Thomas looks at how laboratories are adopting more sustainable practices, trending away from single-use plastics, returning to glassware where possible and managing water consumption as standard everyday practice It is quite amazing how quickly the tide is turning against plastic usage. It’s great to see and it genuinely seems to come from concern for [...]

Ensuring the vaccines aren’t exposed to adverse temperatures will be the biggest challenge for the -80°C Pfizer vaccines Joe LaPorte is director of projects and regulatory at PHC Corporation of North America. Joe has over 30 years of international experience in the field of cold chain management and ultra-low refrigeration. He has served on the ENERGY STAR stakeholder committee for [...]

  Containment of biological agents and infectious substances is an essential element in maintaining a safe environment for biomedical and microbiological laboratories, Biosafety Levels labs, and vaccine production facilities. Protecting against the potential release of hazardous aerosols into a lab during centrifugation requires good laboratory practices. 1. First Level of Protection: Labware Protecting lab and personnel from aerosol leakage and spills [...]

The ability to cool and store items at particular temperatures is an important need for most laboratories. The problem is that there is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to laboratory refrigeration, the only common denominator is that any lab fridge or freezer has to be: Robust Secure Fit for purpose Capable of maintaining a stable temperature Safe [...]

As cell culture has gained more importance in research, it has evolved—and the incubator has evolved along with it Carl earned his undergraduate degree in molecular and cellular biology from the University of Illinois and completed his master’s degree from Northwestern University’s Master of Biotechnology program. Prior to PHCNA, Carl was involved in various areas of biomedical research including cell [...]