Lab instruments and sterilization methods

• Reusable material that has contacted high-risk biological samples must be sterilized in an autoclave.
• Metallic forceps should be used to hold glass instruments when removing them from heat.
• Material used to contain biological samples is considered high-risk.
• Material for collecting samples for microbiological analysis must be sterile.
• Reusable laboratory material with lipophilic residues needs cleaning with organic solvents.
• Counting chambers are used for microscopic particle counting.
• Petri dishes are used for sample preservation.
• Sample incubation should be done in an incubator.
• Material for taking microbiological samples must be sterilized beforehand.
• Microscopic observation of "fresh" samples should be done with unstained samples.
• The optical part of microscopes consists of two convergent lenses.
• Auramine is used in fluorescence microscopy.
• The microscope stage is used to place the preparation to be observed.
• Dehydrated culture media should be stored between +15 and +26°C.
• Distilled water with a near neutral pH should be used in the preparation of culture media.
• The clarity of culture media is a physico-chemical parameter.
• Culture media are a mixture of substances used for the growth and multiplication of bacteria.
• Sample preparation in the laboratory is a task for a laboratory assistant.
• Cleaning and maintenance of laboratory material falls under the specific duties of a laboratory assistant.
• Preparation of reagents and culture media is among the duties of a laboratory assistant.
• A laboratory coat should always be worn during a work shift when handling biological samples.
• Handling microbiological samples should be done in laminar flow cabinets.
• Sharp disposable material must be discarded in special containers after use.
• Handling flammable reagents requires doing so in fume hoods.
• Radioactive isotopes emit gamma rays.
• Ethylene oxide is a high-level germicide.
• Sterilization aims to eliminate microorganisms and resistant forms (spores).
• Aldehydes and ethylene oxide are chemical agents used as disinfectants and/or sterilizers.
• Pasteur ovens use dry heat for sterilization.
• The Municipal Public Health Laboratory is located on C/ Emigrantes, 20.

Learn about the use of various lab instruments and appropriate sterilization methods for biological samples. High-risk materials require autoclaving. Microscopy techniques and storage guidelines are discussed.