Thermo Scientific Sorvall G3, User Manual

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6-2 T3/G3 Thermo Fisher Scientific
Chapter 6
Service and Maintenance
Disinfection
Radioactive
Decontamination
Alcohol (70% ethanol or isopropanol) applied for 10 minutes is ideal
for bacteria and viruses.
Autoclave for 20 minutes at 120°C to destroy micro-organisms.
Polypropylene components are autoclaveable.
Rotor lids must be disassembled from rotor bodies. ‘O’ rings,
autoclaved separately, should be replaced when deformed.
Any part which has been subjected to temperatures above 130 °C
must be discarded.
Hypochlorite “bleach” used at 0.1% concentration with 10 minutes
immersion is effective against bacteria, spores and viruses but, as an
oxidizing agent, is corrosive to metal alloys and must be thoroughly
rinsed off of metal parts and the parts dried. It should never be used if
there is surface damage to the rotor.
Formalin (37% formaldehyde in water) in contact for 10 minutes has a
similar effect to chlorine bleaches.
Rotors should be thoroughly rinsed under running water for 5 minutes
to remove all traces of formalin then dried completely.
Formaldehyde is toxic.
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Gluteraldehyde 2%, sold under many brand names such as Cidex and
Glutarex, requires total immersion for 10 minutes to ensure sterility.
Thorough rinsing and drying is essential to protect users.
Gluteraldehyde builds up to a toxic level in the fatty tissues of the body.
Phenols are very corrosive and should never be used.
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We recommend that all radioactive contamination be referred to your
Radioactivity Safety Officer.
Rotors may be decontaminated by a mixture of equal volumes of:
• Distilled water,
• SDS diluted to 10%,
• Ethanol diluted to 70%.
The rotor should then be rinsed with ethanol followed by distilled
water and then dried completely.