Chapter- Two

2. LABORATORY EQUIPMENTS AND WARES

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Acknowledgment

 Addis Ababa University

 Jimma University
 Hawasa University
 Haromaya University
 University of Gonder
 American Society for clinical pathology
 Center for disease prevention and control

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2

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Learning objectives

At the end of this chapter, the student will be able

to:
 State the different laboratory wares.
 Describe the use of laboratory wares.
 Explain the general cleaning and care of laboratory
wares.

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Outline
2. LABORATORY EQUIPMENTS AND WARES
2.1: General laboratory wares

2.1.1 Classification of Laboratory glass wares

2.1.2 Pipettes

2.1.3 Burettes

2.1.4 Flasks

2.1.5 Beakers

2.1.6 Cylinders

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2.1: General laboratory wares

LABORATORY GLASSWARES AND PLASTICWARES

Definition: laboratory glassware and plastic wares are materials used in

clinical laboratory for:
 measuring

 pipetting

 transferring
 Preparation of reagents
 Storage etc.

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General laboratory …

 Most of the routine laboratory wares used to be of glass,

but recent advantage made in the use of plastic resin to
manufacture a wide range of plastic ware having led to a
gradual replacement of glass wares with durable plastic
ware.

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2.1.1 Classification of Laboratory glass wares

A. can be divided in to five main types according to their

composion

1. Glass with high thermal resistance – borosilicate glass can resist

about 500oc and low alkaline contact.

2. High silica glass- contains 96% silicon, It is thermal endurable,

chemically stable and electric resistant.

3. Glass with high resistance to alkali- Boron free, used in strong alkali
low thermal resistance.

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Classification of Laboratory glass……

4. Low actinic glass – amber color to protect light

5. Standard flint glass- soda lime glass, poor resistance to

increased temp. Contains free soda in its walls

B . Based on their use

a) volumetric wares

b) Semi-volumetric Glass wares

c) Non- volumetric glass wares.

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Classification of Laboratory glass……
a)Volumetric wares
 Apparatus used for measurement of liquids
 Can be made either from glass or plastic . it includes :
 Volumetric flasks

 Graduated centrifuge tubes

 Graduated serological pipette

 Medicine dropper

 Burettes

 Micropipettes

 Diluting or thoma pipettes etc

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Classification of Laboratory glass……

b). Non- volumetric glass wares: are not calibrated to hold a particular
or exact volume, but rather are available for various volumes,
depending on the use desired .
 Erlenmeyer flask
 Round bottom flask
 Flat bottom flask
 Beaker

 Centrifuge tube
 Test tube
 Pasture pipette

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Classification of Laboratory glass……
C ).Semi-volumetric Glass wares: are used for approximate
measurement. it includes;
 Graduated cylinder
 Graduated specimen glass
 Beakers
 Conical flask
 Medicine droppers with or with out calibration mark
 Graduated beaker with double beaks
 Graduated glass
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2.1.2 Pipettes
 There are several types each having their own advantages and
limitations.
 They are designated as class “A” or “B” according to their
accuracy.
 Class “A” pipettes are the most accurate and the tolerance
limits are well defined that is, +0.01, + 0.02 and 0.04 ml for 2,
25, and 50 ml pipettes respectively.
 Class “B” pipettes: are less accurate but quite satisfactory
for most general laboratory purposes.

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Pipettes …

 Significant errors will result if the temperature of the

liquid pipetted is widely different from the temperature of
calibration.
 The usual temperature of calibration is 20oC and this is
marked on the pipette.

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2.1.2.1 Volumetric pipettes

 Volumetric pipettes are calibrated to deliver a constant volume

of liquid.
 The most commonly used sizes are 1, 5, and 10ml capacities.
 Less frequently used sizes are those which deliver 6, 8, 12,
and so on ml.
 They have a bulb mid – way between the mouthpiece and the
tip.

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Volumetric …

 The main purpose of the bulb is to decrease the

surface area per unit volume and to diminish the
possible error resulting from water film.
 The Volume (capacity) and calibration temperature of
the pipettes are clearly written on the bulb.
 They should be used when a high degree of accuracy
is desired.

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Volumetric pipettes……

 The pipette is first rinsed several times with a little of

the solution to be used, and then filled to just above the
mark.
 Then the liquid is allowed to fall to the mark and the tip
is carefully wiped with filter paper.
 The contents are allowed to drain in to the appropriate
vessel. A certain amount of liquid will remain at the tip
and this must not be blown out.

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Volumetric …

 N.B: The reliability of the calibration of the volumetric

pipette decreases with an increase in size and therefore,
special micropipettes have been developing for chemical
microanalysis.

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2.1.2.2 Graduated or measuring pipettes

 Graduated pipettes consist of a glass tube of uniform

bore with marks evenly spaced along the length.
 The interval between the calibration marks depends up
on the size of the pipette.
Two types calibration for delivery are available:
A. One is calibrated between two marks on the stem
(Mohr).
B. The other has graduation marks down to the tip
(serological pipette)

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Graduated or measuring…….

 These pipettes are intended for the delivery of

predetermined volumes.
 The serological pipette must be blown out to deliver
the entire Volume of the liquid and it has an etched ring
(pair of rings) near the mouth end of the pipette
signifying that it is a blow out pipette.
 Measuring pipettes are common only in 0.1, 0.2, 0.5,
1.0 5.0, and 10.0 ml sizes.

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Graduated measuring…

 The liquid is delivered by allowing it to fall from one

calibration mark to another.

N.B. The classification of pipettes may not always be

based on the presence or absence of a bulb and etched
ring.

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 A. B C D.

A. Volumetric (transfer) B. Ostwald folin (transfer). C. Measuring (Mohr) D. Serological (Graduated)

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Graduated or…

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 2.1.2.3 Micropipettes

 Micropipettes are frequently used in

 Medical chemistry
 Virology
 Immunology and serology laboratories.
 This is because in these laboratories often only small
quantities of materials are available for measurement.

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Micropipettes …

 They are found in different capacities such as 5, 10, 25,

50, 100 and 1000 micro liter.
 There are also other kinds of pipettes that are used in
medical laboratories.

Example: Toma pipette, Pasteur pipette, automatic

pipettes and others.

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Automatic
Micropipettes

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2.1.3 Burettes
• Burettes are used for measuring variable quantities of liquid
that are used in volumetric titrations.
• They are made in capacities from 1 to100 milliliters.
• They are long graduated tubes of uniform bore and are
closed at the lower end by means of a glass stopper, which
should be lightly greased for smooth rotation.

Fig. Burette

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2.1.4 Flasks

 There are four types of flaks having 25 to 6,000 milliliter (ml)

capacities.

2.1.4.1 Conical (Erlenmeyer) flasks

 Conical (Erlenmeyer) flasks are useful for titrations and also
for boiling solutions when it is necessary to keep evaporation
to a minimum.
 Some have a side arm suitable for attachment to a vacuum
pump.

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Flask …

2.1.4.2 Flat bottomed round flasks

 Flat-bottomed round flasks are convenient containers
to heat liquids.
 These flasks are widely used in the preparation of
bacteriological culture media.

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Flasks …

2.1.4.3 Round bottomed flasks

 Round bottomed flasks can with stand higher
temperatures than the flat- bottomed type.
 they may be heated in a necked flame or in an
electro- thermal mantle. As a result used for boiling.

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Flasks …

2.1.4.4 Volumetric flasks

 Volumetric flasks are
 flat - bottomed
 pear-shaped vessels with long narrow necks
 fitted with ground glass stoppers.

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Flasks …
Volume metric ….
 Most flasks are graduated to contain a certain volume, and these
are marked with the liters.
 A horizontal line etched round the neck denotes the stated volume
of water at given temperature.
 They are used to prepare various kinds of solutions.
 The neck is narrow so that slight errors in reading the meniscus
results in relatively small volumetric differences (minimizes
volumetric differences or errors).

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A. Conical B. Flat bottomed C. Flat bottomed D.Volumetric

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 Flask …

Volumetric
flask

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2.1.5 Beakers
 Beakers have capacities from 5 to 5,000 ml.
 They are usually made up of heat resistant glass and
are available in different shapes.
 The most commonly used is the squat form, which is
cylindrical and has a spout.
 There is also a tall form, usually with out a spout

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 Beaker …

Beaker

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2.1.6 Cylinders

 Cylinders
are supplied in 10 to 2,000 ml capacities.
 Some are of heat resistant glass or plastic.

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 Cylinders…

 Measurement of liquids can

be made quickly with these
vessels, but a high degree of
accuracy is impossible because
of the wide bore of the
cylinders.

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2.1.7 Test tube

 Test tubes are made of hardened glass or plastic

materials that can withstand actions of chemicals,
thermal shock and centrifugal strains.
 They are used to hold samples and solutions

during medical laboratory procedures.

 These include simple round hollow tubes conical

centrifuge tubes, vaccutainer tubes. Test tubes can

be with or with out rims (lips).
 Test tubes with out rim are satisfactory.

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Test tube with rack

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2.1.8 Reagent bottles

 Reagent bottles are used to store different types of

laboratory reagents.
 They are made from glass or plastics. Depending on
their use, they are available in various sizes and type.

Dropping bottle 41
2.1.9 Petri dishes
 Petri dishes are flat glass or plastic containers,
which have a number of uses in the medical
laboratory.
 They are used predominantly for the cultivation of
organisms on solid media.
 They are made with diameters of 5 to 14 centimeter.

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2.1.10 Funnels
 There are two types of funnels that are widely used in
a medical laboratory. These are filter funnel and
separating funnel.
2.1.10.1 Filter Funnels
 Filter funnels are used for pouring liquids into narrow
mouthed containers, and for supporting filter papers
during filtration.
 They can be made from glass or plastic materials.

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Funnel …

2.1.10.2 .Separating funnels

 They are used for separating immiscible liquids of
different
densities.
 Separating funnels are used for separating immiscible
liquids of different densities. Example, ether and
water.

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2.1.11. Pestle and mortar
 Pestle and mortar are used for grinding solids, for
example, calculi and large crystals of chemicals.
 After each use always clean the pestle and mortar
thoroughly.
 This is because chemicals may be driven into the
unglazed surfaces during grinding, resulting in
contamination when the apparatus is next used..

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2.1.12 Laboratory Cuvettes (Photometry)

 used for photometric readings in instruments or used

for measurements of absorbance.
 Glass Cuvettes resist many laboratory reagents like
organic solvents, whereas plastic Cuvettes are
affected by many reagents and become cloudy, hence
affecting the absorbance’ of the reacting mixture and
so lack accuracy & precision.

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Laboratory Cuvettes …

 Can be glass, quartz, or plastic

 Require uniform thickness, density, composition
 Should be uniformly calibrated

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2.1.13. Pasture pipette

 They are non-volumetric glassware used in transferring

liquid.
 It has a long –drown-out tip with a rubber bulb or teat to
suction.
 Eye droppers or medicine droppers can use instead of
pasture pipettes.

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Precautions when using glassware
1. All glassware must be handled carefully.
2. Breakage can some times be dangerous and may result in the
loss of valuable and irreplaceable materials.

3. Flasks and beakers should be placed on a gauze mat when they

are heated over a Bunsen flame.

4. Test tubes exposed to a naked flame should be made of heat

resistant glasses.

5. If liquids are to be heated in a bath or boiling water, the glass

contents should be heat resistant.

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2.2 Medical laboratory Equipments

Learning objectives ;
 Identify the types and uses of laboratory balances.
 Explain the advantages of laboratory refrigerators.
 Describe the importance of ovens, water baths and
incubators.
 State the use of photometers and desiccators.

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Learning objectives…

 Identify the types and uses of microscopes.

 State the basic components centrifuge.
 Discuss pH in terms of ion activity and units.
 Describe the main components of a pH meter
including their role in analysis.

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Out line

2.2 lab equipments

2.2.1: Microscope

2.2. 2: Equipment for purifying water

2.2.3: Equipment for weighing

2.2.4: Equipment for pipetting and dispensing

2.2.5: Laboratory centrifuges

2.2.6: laboratory autoclaves, ovens

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Out line…
2.2.7: Incubator, water bath, heat block

2.2.8: Colorimeter

2.2. 9: Mixers

2.2.10: Refrigerators

2.2.11: Desiccators

2.2.12: PH meter

2.2.13: Safety cabinets

2.3: Care and cleaning of laboratory equipments and wares

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2. 2 Medical laboratory Equipments

2.2.1: THE MICROSCOPE

 Used to visualize minute objects (animate and
inanimate), that cannot be seen by our naked eye. It
is a magnifying lens.
 It was invented by Anton van Leeuwenhoek –founder
of microscope.

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Microscope …
2.2.1.1 Types of microscope
1. Light field microscope ;- are the group of microscope that uses
light.
This includes:
a. Compound light(bright) field:
 Compound microscope is a light microscope, which is routinely
used in medical laboratories of hospitals and/or health centers.
b. Dark field microscope or dark ground illumination
 Makes some living micro-organisms which can not be seen by
ordinary transmitted lighting.

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Microscope …

Principle of light microscope

 The light enters a special condenser which has a central
blacked-out area so that the light cannot pass directly to
enter the objective.
 The only light entering the eye comes from the micro-
organisms themselves, no light entering the eye directly from
light source.

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Microscope …

 In the way small micro-organisms are seen brightly

illuminated against a black background, like stars in a night
sky.
Importance of Dark field microscope
Used for examining-
 Treponema palladium
 Borreliae in blood
 Microfilariae in blood

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Microscope …

c) Phase contrast microscope

 Makes use of this ability of waves to help or hinder
each other to produce variations increase the contrast
achieved by placing annulus in condenser and phase
plate in the objective.

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Microscope …

 Used for examination of

 Unstained bacteria

 Urine sediments

 Haemoparasites

 Amoebae in faecal preparations

 Trypanosomes in blood, cerebrospinal fluid,

lymph gland fluid.

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 Microscope …

d) Fluorescence microscope
 widely used in the immunodiagnosis

Principle:
 Ultraviolet light may be used to illuminate particles or micro-
organisms which have been previously stained with fluorescing
dyes.
 These dyes transform the invisible ultraviolet light to visible
light.

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Microscope …

 Value of fluorescence microscope

 Examination of sputum and c.s.f for acid fast bacilli
(AFB) using an auramine staining technique.
 Examination of acridine orange stained
Trichomonas vaginalis flagellates.

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Microscope …

2. Electron Microscope: - as the name suggests, employ a beam of

electrons produced by an electron gun to produce the magnified
image.

Mainly used in
 Negative staining
 Sample stained with potassium phosphotungestate
 Examination of viruses

NB. The beam can not pass through the metallic back ground of the
microscope.

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Microscope …

2.2.1.2 Major parts of microscope

A. Frame work of the microscope
This includes:
 An arm (stand): - The basic frame of the microscope
to which the base, body and stage are attached.
 A stage: - the table of the microscope where the slide
or specimen is placed.
 A foot or base: - is the rectangular part up on which
the whole instruments rest.

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Microscope …

B. Focusing system
 This encompasses:
 Coarse and fine focusing adjustments
 Course adjustment: - The course focusing
adjustment is controlled by a pair of large knobs
positioned one on each side of the body. Give rough
image.
 Fine adjustment: - it moves the stage so slowly that
and give clear image .

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Microscope …

 Condenser adjustments: - The condenser is focused

usually by rotating a knob to one side of it.
 This moves the condenser up or down.
 The condenser aperture is adjusted by the iris
diaphragm, which is found just below the condenser.
 The principal purpose of the condenser is to
condense the light required for visualization.

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Microscope …

C. Magnification system
This comprises:
 Objectives: - Objectives are components that
magnify the image of the specimen to form the
primary image.
 For most routine laboratory work 10x, 40x and

100x (oil immersion) objectives are adequate.

 Eyepiece:- Eyepiece is the upper optical component
that further magnifies the primary image and brings
the light rays to a focus at the eye point.

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Microscope …

Eye piece:
 It consists of two lenses mounted at the correct

distance.
 It is available in a range of magnifications usually

of 10x, 15x and sometimes as high as 20x.

N.B: Based on their number of eyepiece microscopes can
be classified as monocular, binocular microscopes etc.

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 Microscope …

D. Illumination system
 Condenser and iris
 Condenser is a large lens with an iris diaphragm.
 The condenser lens receives a beam from the light
source and passes it into the objective.
 The iris is a mechanical device mounted underneath the
Condenser and controls the amount of light entering the
condenser.

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Microscope …

 Mirror

 Mirror is situated below the condenser and iris.

 It reflects the beam of light from the light source up
wards through the iris into the condenser.
 The mirror is used to reflect ray or electrical light.

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Microscope …

70
Microscope …

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Microscope …

 Filters
Light filters are used in the microscope to:
 Reduce the intensity of light.

 Increase contrast and resolution.

 Adjust the color balance of the light to give the best

visual effect.
 Provide monochromic light.

 Absorb light.

 Transmit light of selected wavelength.

 Protect the eye from injury caused by ultra-violet light..

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73
74
Microscope …
2.2.2.3 Working principle of the microscope
 The magnified image of the object (specimen) is first
produced by a lens close to the object called the objective.
 This collects light from the specimen and forms the primary
image.
 A second lens near the eye called the eyepiece (ocular)
enlarges the primary image converting it into one that can
enter the pupil of the eye.

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Microscope …

 The magnification of the objective multiplied by that of

the eyepiece gives the total magnification of the image
seen in the microscope
Example:
Objective Eyepiece Total
Magnification Magnification Magnification
 10X 10X 100X
 40X 10X 400X
 100X 10X 1000X

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Microscope …

 Objectives
 Low power (10X) Objective
 Used for the initial scanning and observation in
most microscopic work.
 When using 10 X
 Close iris diaphragm.

 Lower the condenser.

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Microscope …

 High -dry power (40X) Objective

 Is used to study un stained specimens such as
stool and urine sediments for more detailed
examination.
 When using 40 X
 open the iris diaphragm half way.

 raise the condenser half way.

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Microscope …

Oil immersion (100X) Objective

 Routinely used for morphologic examination of blood films
and microbes.
 An oil immersion lens requires that special grade
of oil (immersion oil) be placed b/n the objective
and the slide.
 The oil is used to increase the intensity of light.
 When using 100 X

 open the iris diaphragm completely.

 raise the condenser completely.

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Microscope …

2.2.2.4 Resolving power of the microscope

 It may be defined as the ability to level closely adjacent
structural details as being actually separate and distinct.
 The increase in magnifying power is always linked to an
increase in resolving power.
 The higher the resolving power of an objective, the closer can
be the fine lines or small dots in the specimen which the
objective can separate in the image.

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Microscope …

 The resolving power of an objective is dependent on what is

known as the numerical aperture (NA) of the objective.
 The numerical aperture is a designation of the amount of light
entering the objective from the microscope field, i.e. the cone
of light collected by the front lens of the objective (an index or
measurement of the resolving power).

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Microscope …

 Numerical aperture is dependent on the diameter of the

lens and the focal length of the lens.

E.g. Res. power of:

 Human eye- 0.25 mm
 Light microscope- 0.25µm
 Electron microscope- 0.5 nm

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Microscope …

 Numerical Aperture
 Defined as the product of the refractive index of the
medium outside the lens (n) and the sine of half the angle
of the cone of light absorbed by the front lens of the
objective (u) or
 Is a number that expresses the ability of a lens to resolve
fine detail in an object being observed.

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Microscope …
E.g. 0.25 on X10 objective
0.65 on X40 objective
1.25 on X100 objective
 The greater the N.A the greater the resolving power.
 The following are the usual numerical apertures of commonly used
objectives:
 10 X objective ----------- NA 0.25
 40 X objective ----------- NA 0.65
 100 X (immersion oil) objective ------- NA 1.25

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Microscope …

 Total magnification
 is the product of the objective and the eye piece

magnification
 Useful magnification range
 is calculated as:
(500-1000)x NA of that objective

E.g. The useful magnification range when an Eyepiece with

magnification of 10x & an objective with magnification 40x & NA
of 0.65 is: 325-650.

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Microscope …

86
Microscope …

 Large diameter
Shorter focal length

Very high NA

Very high resolution

Very high useful magnification

87
Microscope …

 Small Diameter
 Long focal length
 Very low NA
 Very low r.p
 Very low useful magnification

88
Microscope …

 Small diameter
 Short focal length

 Low NA

 Low resolution

 Low useful magnification

 Therefore the wider the angles of the cone of light the

higher the NA of the objective and greater is the
objectives resolving power and useful magnification.

89
Microscope …
2.2.2.5 Working principle of an oil immersion
objective
 When a beam of light passes from air into glass it is
bent and when it passes back from glass to air it is
bent back again to its original direction.
 This has effect on oil immersion objective and affects
the NA of the objective and consequently it’s resolving
power.

90
Microscope …

 The bending effect on the objective can be avoided by

replacing the air between the specimen and the lens
with oil, which has the same optical properties as
glass, i.e. immersion oil.
 The oil provides better resolution and a brighter image
by collecting extra oblique light.

91
92
Microscope …
2.2.2.5 Routine use of the microscope
 A microscope must always be used with gentleness, care and
the following should be noted.

1. Place the microscope on a firm bench so that it does not

vibrate.

a. Make sure that it is not be exposed to direct sun light.

b. The user must be seated at the correct height for the

convenient use of the microscope.

93
Microscope …

2. Select the appropriate source of light.

3. Place the specimen on the stage, making sure that

the under side of the slide is completely dry.

4. Select the objective to be used.

 It is better to begin examination with 10x
objective.

94
Microscope …

5. Bring the objective as close as possible to the slide preparation.

6. Adjust the light source until the illumination of image is at its

brightest.

7. Focus the condenser.

8. Adjust the aperture (opening) of the condenser iris according to

the specimen being examined.

95
Microscope …

 The wider the condenser aperture, the brighter will be

the specimen and the smaller be the details, which can
be resolved.
 The smaller the aperture, the greater will be the contrast.
 Certain specimens, example stained and mounted
specimens give little glare illuminated image with fine
detail.

96
Microscope …
 Other specimens, like urine, unstained cerebrospinal fluid
and saline mounted fecal specimens give much glare and
require a reduced source of light to increase contrast.

9. Examine the specimen by systematically moving the slide

with the mechanical stage.

N.B: The image of the specimen will be up side down and

will move in the opposite direction to the side.
10. For a higher magnification, swing the 40x objective into
place.
 Focus the 40x objective, using the fine adjustment.

97
Microscope …
 If for any reason the image is not visible, lower the
objective until it is nearly but not quite touching the
specimen.
 Then looking through the eyepiece, focus up wards
with the fine adjustment until the image comes into
view

11.For the highest magnification, add a drop of immersion oil

to the specimen and swing the 100x oil immersion
objective into place, then open the iris fully to fill the
objective with light.
 Example. Stained blood smear, acid-fast stain, etc 98
Microscope …

2.2.2. 6 Care, Cleaning and Repair of microscope

 The microscope is one of the most expensive and delicate
instruments.
 Good microscopy practice should include:

I. Daily cleaning and quality control(QC) check

a. Using a clean cloth, wipe any dust from stage and

other surfaces of microscope.

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Microscope …

b. Using lens tissue clean dry objective.

 Clean 100X objective with tissue dampened with xylene.

 Never use alcohol to clean the oil because it will dissolve

the cement holding the lens.

c. Carry out a QC check to ensure the lenses are completely

clean.

100
Microscope …

II- Care when using the microscope

1. Do not use force for any mechanism.
2. Check stage and under side of the specimen, re DRY and
CLEAN.
3. Cover wet preparation with cover slip.
4. Use non-drying oil immersion.
5. Put eyepieces that are not in use in closed container.
6. Always lift and carry the microscope well supported with
hands.
7. Protect the microscope from dust, moisture and direct sunlight.

101
Precautions when using microscope

 Never dip the objectives in xylene or ethanol, as this

may cause the lenses to become detached.

 Never use ordinary paper to clean the lenses.
 Never touch the lenses with your fingers.
 Never clean the support or the stage with xylene or
acetone.

102
Microscope …

III- At the end of the Day’s

 Turn the switch off.
 Clean using a soft tissue.
 Do not leave the objective of eyepiece open.
 Decontaminate the stage with 70% alcohol
dampened cloth.
 Cover with its dust cover.

103
 2.2.2: Equipment for purifying water
2.2.1: DISTILLER
 A process by which impure water is boiled and the steam
condensed on cold surface (condenser) to give pure distilled
water is called distillation.
 Distilled water is free from dissolved salts and clear colorless,
odorless and tasteless. It is sterile too.
 The apparatus is called distiller.
 A considerable volume of cool running water is required to
operate or to condense the steam.

104
 Equipment for purifying
2.2. 2: DEIONIZER
 Deionizer is an apparatus used to produce ion free water.
 A deionizer is an apparatus for demineralizing water by means of
cartridges filled with ion-exchange resin.
 Deionization is a process in which chemically impure water is passed
through anion and cation exchange resins to produce ion free water.
 Deionized water has low electrical conductivity, near neutral pH and
is free from water-soluble salts but is not sterile.

105
2.3: Equipment for weighing/Balances
 Balances are essential laboratory instruments that are widely
used for weighing of various substances (powders, crystals
and others) in the laboratory.
 For instance, to prepare reagents, stains and culture media,
balances are required to weigh accurately and precisely within
the needed range.
 They should be kept carefully clean and located in an area
away from heavy traffic, large pieces of electrical equipment,
and open windows.
 To minimize any vibration, as interference that may happen, a
slab of marble is placed under the balance. 106
Balances …
Balances in medical laboratory may be:

2.3.1. Rough balances (mechanical balances)

2.3.2. Analytical balances/electrical/

2.3.1 Rough balances

 Rough balances are several types. Some of them use sliding scale, some
have a single or double pan (s) and others utilize dial - operated fractions.
 They are used for weighing substances, which do not call for extreme
accuracy.

107
Balances …
 While operating, they do not require mains electricity or battery
power and are currently less expensive than analytical balances
of the similar sensitivity.
 Some rough balances weigh accurately to 0.1 gm of a substance.
 Two - pan balance is a rough balance, which has two copper
pans supported by shafts.
 It is used:

To weigh large amounts (up to several kilo grams).

When a high degree of accuracy is not required.
 The sensitivity of a two pan balance is 0.5 gm.

108
Balances …

 The sensitivity of a balance is the smallest weigh that

moves the pointer over one division of the scale.
 For routine laboratory purposes the sensitivity of a
balance can be considered to be the smallest weigh
that it will measure accurately.
 Usually the larger the amount of substance to go into a
reagent, the least accuracy is required.

109
Rough balances

110
Balances …
 2.3. 2 Analytical balances
 Nowadays analytical and electronic balances (single pan
balances that use an electron magnetic force instead of
weights) are the most popularly used balances in medical
laboratories to provide a precision and accuracy for
reagent and standard preparation.
 Analytical balance is a highly sensitive instrument.
 It may have two pans suspended from a cross beam,
inside a glass case.
 It requires mains electricity or battery (D.C) supplied power.

111
Balances …

 These balances are used:

1. To weigh small quantities usually in mili gram (mg) range.

2. When great accuracy is required. E.g., 2.750mg,

0.330 mg, 5.860mg, etc.

 Its sensitivity is 0.5 mg to 1 mg depending on the model.
 N.B: The accuracy of a balance should be checked regularly
as recommended by the manufacturer.

112
Analytical balance

113
Balances …

114
Balances …

Before starting to weigh, zero the balance as directed

by the manufacturer. If using a beam balance, check the
position of the beam.
Weigh the chemicals at room temperature in a
weighing scoop or small beaker. And Never put the
chemicals directly on the balance pan.

115
Balances …
Use and care……..
 When adding or removing a chemical, remove the
container to avoid spilling any chemical on the balance.
 When using an analytical double pan balance, bring the
pans to rest before adding or removing a chemical.
 Always use forceps to add or remove weighs. Protect
the weights from dust, moisture and fungal growth.

116
Balances …

 Use small brush to remove any chemical, which may

have been spilt on the balance.
 A container of self - indicating silica gel should be
kept inside the analytical balance case to remove any
moisture present in the atmosphere.
 Keeps the balance clean, being particularly careful not
to let dirt accumulate near the pivots and bearings.

117
2.2.4: Equipment for pipetting and
dispensing

 There are different types of devices used for pipetting and

dispensing specimens. Some of them are:
 Simple bulb aspirator- this is simple inexpensive device
suitable for use with graduated capillaries.
 Thumb wheel aspirator – it can be used with capillaries,
shell- back pipettes, example, Sahli or WBC pipettes ad most
small bore graduated pipettes, example measuring up to
0.5ml.

118
Equipment for pipetting …

 Automatic pipetter – it use plastic or glass tips and models

are available for measuring single volumes or several
different volumes. Automatic pipetters have a greater
precision and accuracy.
 PVC bulb pipette filler – its tapered and flexible end enables
all types of pipettes up to 10 ml volume to be inserted easily
and safely in to the end and to be held securely.

119
Equipment for pipetting …

 Pi- pump2500, pipette filler – it is highly recommended

for the controlled filling and dispensing of fluid from
pipettes.
 Bottle top dispenser - it is used to measure a fixed
volume of fluid or several different volumes of fluid.

120
Equipment for pipetting and ……

 Bottle top hand operated dilutor – this is the most expensive of the
devices described above. It is used for measuring accurately and
precisely, specimen and reagent.
 Plastic bulb pipettes – Plastic bulb pipettes have many uses in a
medical laboratory. They can be decontaminated in disinfectant, wash,
and reused many times.

121
2.2.5: Laboratory centrifuges

 Centrifuge: is equipment that is used to separate solid

matter from a liquid suspension by means of centrifugal
force.
 They sediment particles (cells, bacteria, casts, parasites,
etc.) suspended in fluid by exerting a force greater than
that of gravity.
 The suspended materials are deposited in the order of
their weight.
 There are many types of centrifuges, but the basic
principle is the same, that is, the all use centrifugal force.

122
Centrifuge….

 When a body is rotated in circular movement at speed,

centrifugal force is created that drives the body away from the
center of the circular movement.
 The greater the outward pull due to rotation, that is centrifugal
force, the more rapid and effective is the sedimentation.
 As a result, heavier elements are thrown to the bottom of the
tube followed by lighter particles.

123
Centrifuge….

124
Centrifuge….

 Centrifugal force increases with the speed of rotation that is

the revolution of the rotor per minute and the radius of rotation.
 The actual sedimentation achieved at a given speed depends
therefore, on the radius of the centrifuge.
 Most techniques requiring centrifugation will usually specify
the required relative centrifugal force (RCF) expressed in
gravity.

125
Centrifuge….

2.2.5.1 Basic components of centrifuges

 Central Shaft: - It is a part that rotates when
spinning is effected manually.
 Head: - It is a part that holds the bucket and
connected directly to the central shaft or spindle.
 Bucket or tube: - Are portions that hold test
tubes containing a given sample to be spined.

126
Centrifuge….

Specimen
Tube

Cup

Shaft
127
Centrifuge….

2.2.5.2 Classifications of centrifuges

A. Hand centrifuges
 These centrifuges are:

 Operated by hand or water pressure and they are

most commonly used in small laboratory for routine

purposes.
 Used for preparation of urinary sediments and to

concentrate parasites from the given specimen and it

is not advisable to use them to separate serum from
whole blood.

128
Centrifuge….

B.Electrical Centrifuges
 Electrical centrifuges are those centrifuges that are
operated by electrical power and produce high
centrifugal force.
 They are used in most medical laboratories.

129
Centrifuge….

 Based on their tube angle rotation, there are two

types.
A. Swing out head:- This is the most frequently used type and
the head is designed to swing the tubes to the horizontal
position during centrifugation process.

B. Fixed head: - They have different angles. They are useful

for certain laboratory techniques. Example, for agglutination
tests in blood grouping using test tube method.

130
Centrifuge….

2. 2 .5. 3 Kinds of centrifuges

1. Micro-centrifuges
 They are used for spinning small tubes as in
blood bank laboratories.

2. Medium size centrifuges.

 Are used for centrifuging of urine specimens for
microscopic analysis of urinary sediments.

131
Centrifuge….

3. Large centrifuges
 They are widely applied in bacteriology and medical
chemistry laboratories.
 A centrifuge may have a preset speed or more often there is
a knob by which the laboratory personnel control the speed.
 The speed is given in revolution per minuets (rpm).
 Small models are designed to centrifuge volumes up to 200
ml at maximum speeds of 3,000 - 4,000 rpm.
 Large models will centrifuge volumes up to 2,200 ml with
maximum speeds of 5,000 rpm.

132
Centrifuge….
 A centrifuge may have built in timer or may have to be timed
with a watch. Some centrifuges may have a temperature
gauge in order to keep the temperature constant as it spines.
4. Cyto-centrifuge
 Specific use
 Spreading of cells across slide
 Body fluids
 Microscopic – morphologic slides

5. Ultracentrifuges
 High-speed
 Up to 90,000 – 100,000 rpm; 178,000 g
 More common in research

133
Centrifuge….

2.2.5.3 Use and care of centrifuges

 Although most centrifuges are fitted with an imbalance detector,
lid interlock, and an automatic braking system, it is important for
laboratory workers to know how to use a centrifuge correctly to
prevent it from damage and breakages.
 These include:

 Reading the manufacturer’s instructions.

 Placing a centrifuge on a firm level bench out of direct

sunlight, towards the back of the bench.

 Whenever possible using plastic tubes made from

polystyrene or autoclavable.

134
Centrifuge….

 Always closing the centrifuge top before turning it on.

 Always balancing the tubes that are being centrifuged.
 Tubes of the same weight should be placed directly opposite
to each other.
 Tubes should also be of the same size and should also
contain the same amount of liquid.
 Increasing spinning speed gradually is important.

135
Centrifuge….
 Give the centrifuge a chance to come up to that speed and then
turn up the dial a little further until it reaches the desired 3,000 rpm.
 Five minutes are the usual time required to centrifuge most
substances.
 Never open the centrifuge while it is still spinning. Never try to
slow it down with your hand. Most centrifuges have a brake,
which will cause the centrifuge to stop faster.

136
2.2.6: laboratory autoclaves, ovens
2.6.1 AUTOCLAVE
 Autoclave is an instrument that operates by creating high temperature
under steam pressure.
 Autoclaving is the most common, effective, reliable and practical
method of sterilizing laboratory materials.
 Temperature of 1210c, which will kill spores with in 15 minutes and at 15
psi /pound/.
 At this particular temperature, pressure and time, all forms of lives are
destroyed.

137
138
Autoclaves …
 Precautions in the use of autoclaves
 The following guidelines can help to minimize risks while
working with autoclaves.

1. Proper use and care of autoclaves.

2. Regular inspection of the chamber, door seals and

gauges.

3. The steam should be saturated and free from chemicals

that could contaminate the items being sterilized.

139
Autoclaves …

4. Materials to be autoclaved should be in containers

that allow ready removal of air and permit good
heat penetration.

5. The chamber of the autoclave should be loosely

packed so that steam will reach the load evenly.

6. Operator should wear protective gloves for

protection when opening the autoclave.

140
Autoclaves …

6. Thermocouples should be placed at the

center of each load in order to determine
proper operating cycles.

7. Ensure that the relief valves of pressure

cooker autoclaves do not blocked.

141
2.6.2 OVENS
 Hot - air ovens are instruments that are used for drying of
chemicals and glass wares.
 They are also used for the sterilization of various glass
wares and metal instruments.
 They consist of double walls that are made of copper or
steel.
 They are heated by circulation of hot air from gas burners
between the metal walls or by electrical mains.
 There is a thermometer on the top of the ovens and
generally an automatic device (thermostat) is fitted to
regulate the temperature.

142
143
2.2.7: Incubator and water bath.

2.2.7.1 INCUBATOR
 Incubation at controlled temperature is required for
bacteriological cultures, blood transfusion,
Serology, Hematology and clinical Chemistry tests.
 For bacteriological cultures, an incubator is
required whereas for other tests a dry heat block or
a water bath may be used.

144
Incubator …

 For the incubator, the air inside is kept at a specific

temperature (usually at 370c). When tubes are kept inside
the incubator, they take the temperature of the incubator.
 The appropriate temperature is obtained by means of
temperature regulator and is maintained by a thermostat.
This permits a more accurate temperature control.

145
Incubator …
 Use and Care of Incubator
 Read carefully the manufacturer’s instruction.
 Make sure the incubator is positioned on a level surface and that
none of the ventilation openings are blocked.
 If the incubator does not have a temperature display, insert a
thermometer in the vent hole through the roof of the incubator. Adjust
the thermostat dial until the thermometer shows the correct reading,
i.e., 35 - 37Oc for the routine incubation of bacteriological cultures.

146
Incubator …

 Before incubating cultures and tests, check the temperature of

the incubator.
 Clean the incubator regularly; making sure it is disconnected
from its power supply.
 Every three to six months check the condition of the incubator

 At the time of purchase, it is advisable to buy a spare

thermostat and thermometer if these are of special type and are
not available locally.

147
148
2.2.7.2. WATER BATH
 The water bath, like the incubator, is required for
controlled temperature incubation of culture and
liquids, and many other laboratory tests.
 The temperature of the water bath is thermostatically
controlled and can be set at any desired level ranging
usually from 20oC to 100oC.
 The heating coil may be of immersion type or
enclosed in a case, some models have propellers to
help to circulated water so that identical temperature
is maintained throughout the water bath.

149
WATER BATH …

 Use and care of water bath

 Maintain the minimum level in the water bath with
chemically pure water. Avoid use tap water. Avoid use
of water as salts from tap water may get deposited on
coil and so affect its function
 Always use a thermometer to check that the
temperature is stable at the desired level.

150
WATER BATH …

 Make sure that the substance being incubated is below

the surface of water in the bath
 It is advisable to cover the tubes, flasks or plates during
incubation to avoid contamination and dilution as a
result of condensation of water from the lid of the water
bath.
 Clean the water bath regularly.

151
2.2.8: Colorimeter/ (Photometer)
 Colorimeter is an instrument used to measure the concentration
of a substance in a sample by comparing the amount of light it
absorbs with that absorbed by a standard preparation
containing a known amount of the substance being tested.
 In a test, a colored solution of the substance being measured
or a colored derivative of it is produced this is measured in a
colormeter colored solutions absorb light at a given wavelength
in the visible spectrum.

152
Colorimeter …
 Biological samples contain many substances that can be
determined quantitatively or qualitatively
 A constant source of radiant energy
 Some optics for focusing the light
 a colored filter
 a cuvette holder

 Light- sensitive detector( Converts light energy to electrical

energy)
 Read out device

153
Spectrophotometer
 Is similar to a colorimeter except that instead of using a
filter to select the color of the light to pass through the
sample, the white light is separated into a
rainbow( spectrum of colors) using a prism or diffraction
grating.
 Continuous adjustment of λ with the help of prisms or

diffraction gratings.

154
2.2.9: Mixers

 are instruments used for preparation of reagents for

mixing or dissolving purpose.
 Also used for homogenization.

155
2..2.10: Refrigerators

 Refrigerators are physical means of preserving various laboratory

specimens.
 They suppress the growth of bacteria and maintain the
specimens with little alteration.
 In addition to this, they are also used in the medical laboratory to
preserve some reagents such as:
Pregnancy tests kits.

Rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test kits,

Culture media are also preserved.

Blood grouping anti sera and others which

are kept in the refrigerators to prevent their

deterioration.

156
2.2.11: Desiccators

 Desiccators are instruments, which are used for drying of

chemicals or to keep other chemicals from being hydrated.
 As chemicals stay for long period of time out of dessicators,
they sometimes absorb water
 The chemical is dried in an oven at 110oc for 1 hour, and
then it is placed in a desecrator over night before weighing
on the analytical balance.
 The purpose of the oven is to remove the water and that of
the desicator is to store the chemical at an ambient
temperature where it cannot reabsorb water.

157
Desiccator…….
 A desiccators contains substances called drying
agents.
 These absorb the water in the air of the desiccators.
 The most commonly used drying agents (desiccants)
are calcium chloride and concentrated sulfuric acid.
 The chemical that is to be dried is placed in another
bottle or test tube and is put on top of the desiccants
present in a securely closed desiccators.

158
2.2.12 . PH meter
Definition: is an instrument which is used to measure
Potential of ion hydrogen (i.e. acidity or alkalinity of a
substance) or Is an instrument used to measure the PH
or H+ ion concentration.
 Potential of hydrogen pH scale is 0 – 14
 Acid pH: 0-6.9
 Neutral pH: 7.0
 Alkaline pH: 7.1-14.0

159
PH meter …

1. Glass bulb electrode( PH- electrode)

2. Reference( Calomel) electrode
3. Potentiometer (Sensitive meter) which measures the
electric volt.
 The glass bulb electrode contains a solution of a

certain fixed PH or H+ conc.

 When the electrodes are placed in a solution of

unknown PH, an electrical potential is produced

between them( i.e the solution and the H+ ions in
the PH-electrode).

160
PH meter …
 This potential which is proportional to the H+ ion
concentration of the test solution, is measured with
the aid of reference electrode which is compared
to the potential of the PH-electrode.
 The mili volt(MV) potential difference is displayed

as digital or galvanometric readings(PH0-14)

OMV=7.0

161
2.2.13: Safety cabinets
 Safety Cabinets are designed to protect the laboratory
personnel, the laboratory environment and work
materials from exposure to infectious aerosols and
splashes that may be generated when manipulating
materials containing infectious agents, such as primary
cultures, stocks and diagnostic specimens.
 These cabinets could be chemical or biological
 N.B: It is extremely important to use gloves as a

personal means of protection from various infectious

agents while working in medical laboratories.

162
Biological safety cabinets/BSC/
 Are the principal equipment used to provide physical containment
 Are used as primary barriers to prevent the escape of aerosols
into the laboratory environment.
 Certain BSC can also protect the test/specimen from air born
contamination
 The selection of BSC is based on:

 The hazard of the agent in the test

 The potential of the the laboratory technique to produce

aerosols and
 The need to protect the test from airborne contamination

163
BSC …

Three types of BSC are available- Class I ,Class II, Class

III.
 Class I –BSC
 This is an open fronted work chamber which is exhaust
ventilated to provide personnel and environmental
protection only by means of an inward air flow away from
the operator, the exhaust air being filtered through a
HEPA filter before being discharged from the cabinet
 Are used with agents with low to moderate risk

164
BSC …

 Class II- BSC

 Is a partially open fronted work chamber which
provides protection for personnel and the surrounding
environment against biological hazards by means of
barrier airflow at the work opening.
 A quantity of air equal to the barrier air is exhausted
from the cabinet through a HEPA filter.

165
BSC …
 Also provides product(test) protection against
contamination by means of HEPA filtered air flowing into
the cabinet
 Class III-BSC
 Is a totally enclosed and gas-tight structure
 Work procedures in the cabinet are carried out through
replaceable arm length gloved sleeves.
 Is supplied with air through a HEPA filter and exhausted
through two HEPA filters mounted in series
 Suitable for use with all categories of biological agents

 HEPA- high efficiency particulate air

166
Safety cabinets

167
2.3: Care and cleaning of laboratory
equipments and wares

 Care of glassware
 Allglass ware must be handled carefully.
 Breakage can some times be dangerous and may
result in the loss of valuable and irreplaceable
materials.
 Flasks and beakers should be placed on a gauze mat
when they are heated over a Bunsen flame. Gauze
mat is made from asbestos and its function is to
distribute the heat evenly.

168
Care …

 Test tube exposed to a naked flame should be made

of heat resistant glass such as Pyrex.
 If liquid are to be heated in a bath or boiling water the
glass contents should be heat resistant.
 When diluting concentrated acids, thin walled
glassware should be heat resistant.
 Because the heat evolved by the procedure often
cracks thick glassware.

169
Care of …

 Containers and their corresponding ground glass

stopper should be numbered.
 Because it is used to ensure direct matching when
stoppers are replaced.
 Because of the danger of chemical and
bacteriological contamination, pipettes should never
be left lying on the bench.

170
Cleaning of glass wares

 Itis clear that volumetric glass wares and glass

apparatus must be absolutely clean, otherwise
volumes measured will be inaccurate and chemical
reactions are affected adversely.
 One gross method generally used to test for cleanness
is to fill the vessel with distilled water and then empty it
and examine the walls to see whether they are covered
by a continuous thin film of water.
 Imperfect wetting or the presence of discrete of
droplets water indicates that vessel is not sufficiently
clean.

171
Cleaning of ….
 A wide variety of methods have been suggested for
the cleaning of most glassware.
 Wide varieties of methods have been suggested for
the cleaning of most glassware.
 In all cases, glassware for the clinical laboratory must
be:
 Physically clean

 Chemically clean

 Bacteriologically clean or sterile

172
Cleaning of new glassware

 New glass ware should be appropriately treated and

cleaned before use.
 Newly purchased soft glass ware (soda lime) should
be treated overnight with 5% HCl.
 This will neutralize free alkali found on the surface.

173
Cleaning of new glassware …

 This treatment is not necessary for borosilicate glass

(hard glass).
 Acid treated glassware must be first rinsed with tap water
followed by through rinsing with distilled deionnized water.
 Newly purchased borosilicate glass ware is cleaned with
detergent followed by washing with tap water and then
rinsing with distilled water.

174
General cleaning procedure
1). Preliminary rinsing
 Rinse all glassware immediately after use. Remember, dry
glassware, like the dry dishes after a meal, is difficult to
clean, stains, markings, proteins and other materials may
get stubborn due to drying.
 Rinse twice in cold or warm water.

2) Soaking in detergent solution

 Place in detergent solution (2%).Detergents can be in either
solution or powder form. Do not use too concentrate
detergent solution which may not be completely removed
and this will affect the test result.

175
General……

 Dissolve the detergent completely before putting in

the glassware.
 Preliminary soaking in the detergent can save time,
reduce contamination problems and make the final
washing greatly simplified. Soak for one hour.

176
General. .….
3).Scrubbing
 Scrub thoroughly with good quality brush (choose
appropriate brush for the type of glassware being
cleaned). A milled abrasive may help cleaning but the
abrasive should not scratch the glass.

Make sure that the brush reaches all parts of the
glassware, inside and the out side.
4). Washing
 Wash each glassware one by one under running water.
Wash each item 5 times or more.

177
General ……
5). Rinsing
 Rinse each glassware with distilled water or deionnized
water at least three times.
6). Drying
 Place in a wire baskets and dry glassware completely by
keeping it in an oven (1400c).If an oven is not available, dry
the glassware on the drying rack at room temperature over
night.
 Dry the burette in the inverted position on the burette stand.
Glassware dried in the hot air oven should be in an inverted
position to ensure complete drainage of water as it dries.

178
General……

7). Plugging
 The clean dry glassware should be put away in a cup
board to protect it from dust.
 It is recommended that containers should be plugged
with non – absorbent cotton wool or the mouth
covered with little cups made from wrapping paper or
preferably thin sheeting of paraffin wax.

179
Special cleaning of glass ware

 If the glassware becomes dirty due to coagulated organic

matter ( for example dried blood) or other substances , it
must be cleaned with chromic acid cleaning solution.
 Potassium dichromate (or sodium dichromate) and
sulphuric acid are both power full corrosive solutions and
the mixture makes it even more so.
 The following cleaning solutions may be used in special
cases:
 Diluted hydrochloric acid - 50% concentrated HCl in

water removes iron stains.

180
Special cleaning …
 Use nitric acid for stains due to Nesslers reagents
(iodine).
 Remove grease by boiling with weak alkali solution

(sodium carbonate).Never use strong alkalis

(sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide).
 Ordinary grease can also be removed with acetone

and ether (flammable).For removing silicone

grease use sulphuric acid.
 Note: All the cleaning reagents must be washed away
and the glassware rinsed finally with distilled water or
Deionized water.

181
1. Cleaning of pipettes

 Pipettes should be placed in a vertical position with

the tips up in a jar of cleaning solution in order to
avoid the breakage of their tips. A pad of glass wool is
placed at the bottom of the jar to prevent breakage.
 After soaking for several hours, the tips are drained
and rinsed with tap water until all traces of cleaning
solution are removed.

182
Cleaning of pipette…

 The pipettes are then soaked in distilled water for at

least an hour.
 Filing with water, allowing the pipette to empty, and

observing whether drops formed on the side within

the graduated portion make a gross test for
cleanness.
 Formation of drops indicates greasy surfaces after

the final distilled water rinse the pipettes are dried

in an oven at not more than 110oc.

183
Cleaning of pipette…

 Most laboratories that use large numbers of pipettes

daily use a convenient automatic pipette washer.
 These devices are made of metal or polyethylene and
can be connected directly to hot and cold water
supplies. Polyethylene baskets and jars may be used
for soaking and rinsing pipettes in chromic acid
cleaning solution.

184
2. Cleaning of flasks, beakers, cylinders
and other glass wares

 Pour warm cleaning solution into each vessel and

stopper or cover carefully.
 Each vessel should be manipulated so that all portions
of the wall are repeatedly brought into contact with the
solution.
 This procedure should be followed for at least five
minutes.

185
Cleaning of flasks …

 The cleaning solution can be poured from one vessel

to another and then returned to its original container.
 The vessels should then be rinsed repeatedly with tap
water four times and finally rinsed three times with
distilled water.
 It is important that the necks of volumetric flasks
above the graduation mark be clean because when
solutions are diluted in the flask drops of water may
adhere to an unclean wall and may invalidate the
measurement of volume.

186
3. Plastic wares

 Plastic wares are usually manufactured from polymers

of polyethylene, polypropylene and TEFLON.
 These plastics are chemically inert and unaffected by
acid /alkali.
 Plastic wares includes any article made of plastic that
is intended for laboratory use, including, but not limited
to beakers, bottles, Petri dishes, flasks, funnels, jars,
tubes and stoppers.

187
4. Cleaning of plastic wares

 After each use Laboratory plastic wares should be

immediately soaked in water or if contaminated
soaked overnight in a suitable disinfectant such as
0.5% w/v sodium hypochlorite or bleach.
 Most plastic ware is best clean in a warm detergent
solution followed by at least two rinses in clean water
and ideally a final rinse in distilled water.
 The articles should then be left to drain and dry
naturally or dried in a hot air oven, set at a
temperature the plastic can withstand.

188
Cleaning of …

 A brush or harsh abrasive cleaner should not be used

on plastic ware.
 Stains or precipitates best removed using dilute nitric
acid or 3% v/v acid alcohol.

189
Summary questions

1. Explain the general cleaning and care of laboratory

wares.

2. Explain the general cleaning and care of laboratory

wares.

3. Explain the types and uses of microscope.

190
References
1. Linne Jean Jergenson, Basic techniques of medical laboratory
4th ed. 2000.
2. WHO, Manual of basic techniques for a health laboratory 2000.
3. Chees brough M.District Laboratory manual for tropical
courtiers, Cambridge Univerity press, 2000 (Vol ).
4. Chees brough M.District Laboratory manual for tropical
courtiers, Cambridge Univerity press, 2000 (Vol II).
5. Seyoum B. Introduction to medical laboratory technology
students lecture note series 2002.
6. www.CDC.gov

191
 End of slide

Next chapter will be : Collection, handling and

shipment of laboratory specimens

192