206 | Chapter 4: Maintenance
The recommended
frequency for decontamination
is at least monthly, and before
shipment of the instrument to BioTek for calibration or repair.
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Important!
BioTek Instruments, Inc. recommends the use of the following
decontamination solutions and methods based on our knowledge of the
instrument and recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC). Neither BioTek nor the CDC assumes any liability for the
adequacy of these solutions and methods. Each laboratory must ensure that
decontamination procedures are adequate for the biohazards they handle.
Warning! Internal Voltage.
Turn off and unplug the instrument for all
decontamination operations.
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Do not
immerse the instrument, spray it with liquid, or use a ”wet” cloth. Do
not allow the cleaning solution to run into the interior of the instrument. If this
happens, contact the BioTek TAC.
Do not soak the keypad.
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Wear prophylactic gloves
when handling contaminated instruments.
Gloved hands should be considered contaminated at all times; keep gloved
hands away from eyes, mouth, nose, and ears. Eating and drinking while
decontaminating instruments is not advised.
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Mucous membranes are considered prime entry routes for infectious agents.
Wear eye protection and a surgical mask when there is a possibility of aerosol
contamination. Intact skin is generally considered an effective barrier against
infectious organisms; however, small abrasions and cuts may not always be
visible. Wear protective gloves when performing the decontamination
procedure.
Tools and Supplies
0.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaClO, or bleach)
70% isopropyl alcohol (as a bleach alternative)
Deionized or distilled water
Priming plate
Safety glasses
Surgical mask
Protective gloves
MultiFlo™ FX Multi-Mode Dispenser