Cleaning Protocols for Microbiological Safety Cabinets (MSCs) Enhanced by Bacteria Detection Systems

Microbiological Safety Cabinets (MSCs) are a vital part of many research labs, often with multiple users working in the same cabinet over the course of the day, meaning having stringent cleaning protocols for these work horses of the lab is crucial.

The stainless steel within your safety cabinet is an area that needs special attention. Stainless steel is not corrosion-proof, it is corrosion-resistant and owes this resistance to a thin, chromium oxide film on the metal's surface. Cleaning practices and protocols therefore need a balance between ensuring that the cabinet is clear of contaminants and maintaining the integrity of the surface. Incorrect, or ineffective cleaning of a cabinet can potentially lead to cross contamination and can also possibly reduce the lifespan of the safety cabinet, thus providing a lower return on investment (ROI).

Many laboratories employ cleaning protocols using disinfecting agents based on alcohol (70% ethanol or 70% isopropanol) or alternatively disinfecting agents based on QUATS (quaternary ammonium salts).

Whilst good, this method is not fool proof, visual inspections are important for cleaning efficacy. Cleaning protocols can be enhanced with the inclusion of Bactiscan™/ BactiscanPRO™ or Bactiscope™, designed specifically for the non-invasive detection of bacteria and biofilms. These systems can instantly identify sites where bacterial, or biofilm contaminants are still present post-cleaning by using unique wave-alternating UV light technology. 4 separate UV wavelengths, on different frequency's, work together illuminating the s-layer of contaminants in the blue to green colour range.

The benefit of immediate results is the reduction in downtime for the cabinet as the site of contamination is quickly identified, along with confirmation on the quality of the cleaning protocols in place and reduced risk of cross-contamination. The BactiscanPRO™ for example, is fitted with a 20MP camera to capture every detail and built-in wifi allows connection to the downloadable app for phone or tablet, so that the captured images and information to be uploaded to an internal quality system as a basis of documented corrective action and/or audit for regulatory compliance.

Assessing the integrity of the metallic surfaces within a safety cabinet or fume hood is also possible using the MAG3, a handheld electronic detection scanner which can highlight and scratches, pitting or cracks, down to 10 microns, that could harbour contaminants. Surface integrity scans can be completed by swiping the MAG3 across the metal surface, and another benefit of the MAG3 system is that it does not use on dye penetrant methods and has a probe attachment that can be utilised to scan corners and welds making it a valuable additional tool that can easily be incorporated into cleaning, servicing, and maintenance protocols.

Cleaning and/or maintenance of safety cabinets should be as important as the experiments and tests you perform in them; checking the efficacy of those measures is a vital aspect to consider too. By maintaining safety cabinets and other lab equipment regularly and following stringent cleaning protocols, you can benefit from several positive outcomes, such as:

  • Reduced risk of cross-contamination
  • Compliance to regulatory legislation is easier to achieve
  • The cabinet/ equipment works more efficiently
  • The lifespan of your capital equipment is extended, which means lower total cost of

ownership and improved return on investment.

Click here for more about the range of bacteria and biofilm detection systems or visit https://www.eit-international.com/contact/ to contact us, or for details of our regional product partners.

You may also be interested in these videos about how the Bactiscan and MAG3 products:

If you’d like to discuss your servicing and maintenance requirements, visit our trusted service provider, Crowthorne Group, via www.crowthornehitec.co.uk