A laminar flow hood is a device that creates a sterile environment for bioengineering experiments and procedures. It filters the air and prevents contamination from dust, microbes, or other particles. However, to ensure that the hood works properly, you need to maintain it regularly and follow some best practices. Here are some tips on how to keep your laminar flow hood in good shape.
Before and after each use, you should clean the hood with a disinfectant solution, such as 70% ethanol or isopropyl alcohol. Wipe the surface, the walls, and the sash of the hood with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. Avoid using bleach, as it can corrode the metal parts of the hood. Also, make sure that the hood is turned on for at least 15 minutes before you start working, to allow the air to circulate and remove any residual contaminants.
I do not personally clean it but my client told me those steps: 1) Start by cleaning the back wall of your laminar flow hood 2) Clean the side walls, use a sweeping motion from left to right moving from top to bottom And lastly, clean the work surface. Begin at the back of the unit and work your way to the front.
Limpeza regular: A capela de fluxo laminar deve ser limpa regularmente para evitar o acúmulo de poeira e partículas. Isso pode ser feito usando um pano húmido e produtos de limpeza adequados.
The hood has two types of filters: a pre-filter and a HEPA filter. The pre-filter traps large particles and dust, while the HEPA filter removes 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns or smaller. You should inspect the pre-filter every month and replace it when it is dirty or clogged. The HEPA filter should be checked every six months and replaced every two years, or more often if it is damaged or compromised. You can use a magnehelic gauge to measure the pressure drop across the filters and determine if they need to be changed.
The hood has a fan that creates a laminar airflow, which means that the air moves in parallel streams with no turbulence or mixing. The airflow should be uniform and constant, with a velocity of about 0.45 meters per second. You can use an anemometer to measure the airflow speed and direction. If the airflow is too low or too high, it can affect the sterility and efficiency of the hood. You should adjust the fan speed or call a technician if you notice any problems with the airflow.
The hood has a limited workspace, so you should only keep the essential items and materials that you need for your experiment or procedure. You should arrange them in a way that does not obstruct or disrupt the airflow. For example, you should place the items from back to front, from clean to dirty, and from left to right (if you are right-handed). You should also avoid overcrowding the hood or placing items near the edges or corners, as this can create dead zones or turbulence that can compromise the sterility.
The hood is designed to protect your samples and materials from contamination, but it does not protect you from exposure to hazardous substances or biological agents. Therefore, you should always wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves, goggles, lab coat, and mask, when working in the hood. You should also follow the biosafety guidelines and regulations for handling and disposing of biohazardous waste. Additionally, you should avoid talking, coughing, sneezing, or making sudden movements in the hood, as this can introduce contaminants or disrupt the airflow.
The hood should have a logbook or a label that records the date, time, and details of each use, cleaning, inspection, and maintenance. This helps you to keep track of the performance and condition of the hood, and to identify any issues or problems that need to be addressed. You should also document any incidents or accidents that occur in the hood, such as spills, leaks, or injuries, and report them to the supervisor or the safety officer. Keeping accurate and updated records can help you to ensure the quality and reliability of your bioengineering work.