Reducing cross-contamination in the lab is absolutely essential. When it comes to microbiology labs, cross-contamination can skew test results, damage sample integrity, and impact the safety of working conditions.
Here at Pro-Lab Diagnostics, we go above and beyond to ensure our partner’s labs run efficiently and safely, ensuring dynamic progress and scientific innovation. Not only do we manufacture and distribute essential lab equipment, but we also ensure our partners uphold the highest standards in sample handling.
To guarantee test accuracy, we’re here to offer our expert insight. Drawing from our decades of experience in supporting labs around the world, here are our tips for reducing cross-contamination in the lab.
Strictly adhering to PPE compliance is crucial when preventing cross-contamination between samples and the exposed environment.
When it comes to handling samples, lab personnel should always be wearing appropriate PPE, such as lab coats, gloves, face covering, and eyewear if necessary. This protects both the person handling samples as well as preventing accidental cross-contamination.
Where PPE is used in the lab, it is also imperative to follow proper donning and doffing protocols. If one sample has been handled, changing gloves will ensure that cross-contamination does not occur when handling a different sample.
PPE should be kept clean and there should be distinct protocols for contaminated PPE. Once used, PPE must be disposed of correctly, to prevent any spreading of contaminants.
Pro-Lab Top Tip: Have designated ‘clean’ and ‘contaminated’ areas for PPE in the laboratory.
Storing high-quality reagents in the lab is another top tip for reducing contamination risks in the lab.
Here at Pro-Lab Diagnostics, we only supply high-quality, tested reagents that ensure sample purity and maintain the integrity of your test results. Our range of Pro-Cult® First Generation Quality Control Organisms offers microbiologists a reliable and straightforward source of bacterial cultures, which can be adapted for basically any microbiological test method.
When handling reagents or samples, it is crucial to confirm the sterility of swabs, pipettes, and discs before use. Packing and storing reagents separately will reduce the potential for cross-contamination.
Pro-Lab Top Tip: Ensure all equipment is sterilised before use.
In any lab, equipment should be cleaned regularly, to maintain sterility, hygiene, and the reliability of tests. With that in mind, we would suggest recording when equipment has been cleaned and used, to ensure standards are properly maintained.
Following the guidelines for cleaning in laboratories will reduce the contamination of samples in the lab. Simply disinfecting equipment can eliminate the residual traces of previous samples and reduce the risk of contamination.
At Pro-Lab, not only do we supply essential lab equipment, but we will also assist with installation and provide proper training. This ensures your team is aware of the cleaning protocols for equipment.
Pro-Lab Top Tip: Develop a strict cleaning schedule for all regularly used equipment and surfaces.
For microbiological testing, exact measurements are necessary when determining accurate, reliable results. All lab personnel who handle samples will need to adopt a strong pipetting technique to guarantee this.
A lack of proper pipetting technique is one of the most common causes of cross-contamination in labs. Reusing pipette tips or not holding the equipment in the correct position when drawing and dispensing samples can increase the risk of aerosols and cross-sample contamination.
While this is a simple, everyday practice in most labs, it can be easy to become slack. Regular training and retraining for your team will ensure the best practice is always adhered to.
Pro-Lab Top Tip: When pipetting samples, ensure the pipette tip does not touch the sides of tubes or containers.
Here at Pro-Lab, we know that reducing cross-contamination in the lab takes constant concentration and vigilance. Having proper resources and an efficient lab set-up will guarantee that every sample and test yields reliable results.
We have been supplying labs around the world with invitro-diagnostic kits and reagents since 1974. Our loyal customers trust us to supply high-quality lab equipment, as our team comes from varied scientific backgrounds giving us a close insight into what they need. You can browse our products here.
If you’re looking for a distributor who doesn’t try and sell to you and instead finds the solutions you need, then contact Pro-Lab Diagnostics today.
