How can you maintain the sterility of your laminar flow hood?

1 Clean the hood regularly

You should clean the hood before and after each use, as well as periodically when it is not in use. Use 70% ethanol or isopropyl alcohol to wipe down the work surface, the walls, and the air filter. Avoid using bleach, as it can damage the filter and corrode the metal. Make sure to wipe in one direction, from the back to the front, to avoid spreading contaminants. Dispose of the used wipes in a biohazard bag.

2 Check the airflow

The laminar flow hood relies on a fan and a filter to create a uniform and unidirectional airflow. You should check the airflow regularly to make sure it is not blocked or disrupted by any objects, such as equipment, cables, or bottles. You can use a smoke or anemometer test to measure the airflow velocity and direction. The recommended airflow velocity for a horizontal laminar flow hood is 0.45 m/s, and for a vertical laminar flow hood is 0.38 m/s.

4 Sterilize the equipment

The equipment that you use in the laminar flow hood should also be sterilized before and after each use. You can use autoclaving, dry heat, UV light, or chemical disinfection to sterilize your equipment, depending on the material and the type of experiment. For example, glassware and metal instruments can be autoclaved, while plastic items can be exposed to UV light. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety precautions when using any sterilization method.

5 Wear proper attire

You are also a potential source of contamination for your laminar flow hood. You should wear proper attire to minimize the risk of introducing any particles or microbes into the hood. You should wear a lab coat, gloves, hair net, mask, and goggles when working in the hood. You should also avoid wearing any jewelry, makeup, or perfume that can shed or emit particles or vapors. You should change your gloves frequently and avoid touching your face or hair.

6 Follow good practices

Finally, you should follow some good practices when working in the laminar flow hood to maintain its sterility. You should work in an orderly and organized manner, avoiding clutter and spills. You should label and date your samples and reagents, and store them in sealed containers. You should avoid talking, coughing, or sneezing in the hood, as these can generate droplets or aerosols that can contaminate the air. You should also avoid opening and closing the hood door frequently, as this can disrupt the airflow.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?