Lesson 3# Laboratory Equipment PDF

LESSON 3# Laboratory Equipment MTMBD100 2ND SEMESTER | ACADEMIC YEAR | Mr Jeffrey Galvez LABORATORY ESSENTIALS ​ Using equipment correctly ensures ​ Laboratory equipment refers to sp...

LESSON 3# Laboratory Equipment MTMBD100 2ND SEMESTER | ACADEMIC YEAR | Mr Jeffrey Galvez LABORATORY ESSENTIALS ​ Using equipment correctly ensures ​ Laboratory equipment refers to specialized compliance with quality and safety standards tools and instruments used in scientific in scientific research and medical diagnosis research, diagnostics, and experiments Reduces Costs and Prevent Damage ​ Misuse of laboratory instruments can lead to ​ These include machines for measuring, damage, costly repairs, or the need for heating, cooling, separating, and analyzing replacement. samples, such as centrifuges, incubators, and biosafety cabinets. ​ Proper knowledge helps in handling equipment efficiently, extending its lifespan. IMPORTANCE OF USING THE LABORATORY EQUIPMENT PROPERLY Molecular Biology Laboratory ​ Preparation room Ensures accurate results -​ Sample preparation ​ Proper use of equipment minimizes errors and -​ DNA extraction enhances the reliability of experiments -​ Culture preparation ​ Incorrect handling can lead to inaccurate data, ​ Amplification room affecting scientific conclusions. -​ Polymerase chain reaction ​ Visualization room Enhances Safety -​ Agarose gel electrophoresis ​ Some equipment, like biosafety cabinets and -​ Gel UV-Visualization centrifuges, involve biohazards or high-speed operations that require proper usage to Biosafety Cabinet (BSC) prevent accidents. ​ Used for handling sensitive materials that can ​ Knowing safety protocols reduces risks of be contaminated or contaminate the area contamination, spills, or injuries. wherein it is being used ​ Class l Improves Efficiency and Productivity -​ Protects the user and the ​ Understanding equipment functions and environment but not the sample. Air troubleshooting common issues saves time is drawn in and filtered before being during experiments. exhausted. ​ Proper maintenance ensures longevity and ​ Class ll optimal performance of instruments. -​ Provides protection for the user, sample, and environment. Supports compliance with laboratory -​ Further divided to ​ Many laboratories follow regulatory guidelines -​ Types: (e.g.,Good Laboratory Practices, ISO ​ A1/A2 standards). ​ B1/B2 MTMBD100: Molbio LESSON 3#LABORATORY EQUIPMENT 1  LESSON 3# Laboratory Equipment MTMBD100 2ND SEMESTER | ACADEMIC YEAR | Mr Jeffrey Galvez ​ Class ll Type (A1/A2) ​ Used to separate components of the samples -​ Recirculates a portion of the air after being worked on. HEPA* filtration. ​ Lower temperature stops or slows down any *High efficiency particulate air enzymatic reaction that can be an inhibitor during the succeeding procedures in the ​ Class Il Type (B1/B2) experiment. -​ Exhausts most or all air, with Type B2 ​ Temperature control (usually between -10°C fully exhausting it outside. and 40°C). ​ Adjustable speed (measured in RPM or RCF). ​ Class III ​ Rotor compatibility for different tube sizes. -​ Provides the highest protection, ​ Fixed-angle rotors (pellet formation at an completely enclosed with glove angle). access, and used for highly hazardous ​ Swinging-bucket rotors (even separation at pathogens. the tube bottom). Use of BSC Uses of Refrigerated Centrifuge ​ Handling infectious agents and biohazardous ​ Pelleting materials. -​ DNA extraction ​ Preventing contamination in cell culture and -​ RNA extraction microbiology experiments. ​ Protecting lab personnel from harmful ​ Differential centrifugation aerosols and splashes. -​ Separating different particles via density Troubleshooting: 1.​ Airflow alarms Troubleshooting: -​ Check if the sash height is correct and ​ Imbalance error ensure no blockage in the exhaust -​ Ensure tubes are evenly loaded and system. balanced. 2.​ HEPA filter clogging ​ Noise/vibration -​ Replace filters if airflow is comprised -​ Check for loose rotor or damaged 3.​ Contamination inside cabinet components.® -​ Regularly disinfect surfaces and avoid ​ Cooling failure rapid hand movements. -​ Confirm temperature settings and 4.​ No Power check refrigerant levels. -​ Verify power supply and reset the circuit breaker. DRY BATH INCUBATOR ​ Metal plates used to heat up samples instead REFRIGERATED CENTRIFUGE of water incubation. ​ Based on the concept of the centrifugal force. ​ Precise temperature control (typically up to 100°C). MTMBD100: Molbio LESSON 3#LABORATORY EQUIPMENT 2  LESSON 3# Laboratory Equipment MTMBD100 2ND SEMESTER | ACADEMIC YEAR | Mr Jeffrey Galvez ​ Digital or analog temperature settings. -​ Regularly defrost and avoid frequent door openings. THERMOCYCLER ​ Also known as Thermal cycler or PCR machine. Uses of Dry Bath Incubator ​ Amplifying DNA and RNA in PCR reactions. ​ Incubation steps ​ Used in molecular biology, genetics, and -​ DNA extraction forensic analysis. -​ RNA extraction ​ Programmable thermal cycling for -​ Protein extraction denaturation, annealing, and extension. -​ Restriction Fragment ​ Heated lid to prevent sample evaporation. -​ Length Polymorphism ​ Gradient function for optimizing PCR -​ Bacterial Transformation conditions. ​ Conventional PCR machines. Troubleshooting: -​ Product will be subjected to ​ Temperature fluctuation visualization to check for results. -​ Check sensor calibration and heater function ​ Real-time PCR (qPCR) ​ Unit not heating -​ Actual amplification can be viewed -​ Verify power connection and inspect with the use of probes within the heating elements master mix. Ultra-Low Freezer Uses if Thermocycler ​ Digital temperature monitoring ​ Polymerase chain reaction. ​ Alarm systems for temperature deviations. ​ Incubation of temperature variable procedure. ​ Insulated chambers for long-term sample ​ Optimization of molecular procedures. preservation. ​ Other diagnostic procedures. Use if Ultra-Low Freezer Troubleshooting: ​ Storing biological samples, vaccines, and ​ Software issues reagents at extremely low temperatures -​ Check firmware if it is up to date or (-80°C to - 150°C). the prescribed version for the device ​ Temperature inaccuracy Troubleshooting: -​ Calibrate temperature sensors and ​ Temperature rising ensure uniform heating -​ check door seals and ensure proper ventilation AGAROSE GEL ELECTROPHORESIS ​ Frost Buildup ​ Uses agarose as the gel base MTMBD100: Molbio LESSON 3#LABORATORY EQUIPMENT 3  LESSON 3# Laboratory Equipment MTMBD100 2ND SEMESTER | ACADEMIC YEAR | Mr Jeffrey Galvez ​ Gel casting trays with combs for sample wells -​ Adjust exposure settings and ensure ​ Power supply for voltage control proper gel staining ​ Buffer system for maintaining pH and Conductivity ​ No signal detected -​ Verify UV lamp function and confirm sample staining is adequate ​ Horizontal -​ DNA -​ RNA ​ Vertical -​ Protein Troubleshooting ​ Always remove the buffer from the tank after use ​ Always use the same buffer concentration for the tank buffer and the buffer solution for the gel. ​ While operating, check for bubbles in the tank leads to see that the machine is working ​ Always use the right voltage, Do not go over the prescribed voltage because your gel will disintegrate from the high current ​ Do not open the cover while operating, it might cause electrocution. GEL DOCUMENTATION (UV-Vis Imaging System) ​ Ultraviolet (UV) light is used to visualized the stained molecular samples ​ UV transilluminator for fluorescent dye detection ​ Digital camera for capturing gel images ​ Software for analyzing band intensity and molecular weight. ​ Visualizing and documenting DNA, RNA, and protein gels under UV or visible light. Troubleshooting ​ Poor Image quality MTMBD100: Molbio LESSON 3#LABORATORY EQUIPMENT 4