Cleaning Requirements

Observe the following cleaning guidelines whenever you work with or around the Panther instrumet.

Samples

Ask lab personnel to remove patient samples from your work area before you start cleaning procedures.

50% Bleach Solution

Clean the system and bench top work area with a solution of 50% bleach in deionized water. Allow system parts adequate time to dry before operating or servicing.

Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach)

The Sample Racks and reagent carousels should not be cleaned with ethanol because it damages adhesive labels. The monthly maintenance procedure directs you to clean the Sample Racks and reagent carousels by soaking them for 10 minutes in a sodium hypochlorite (bleach) solution followed by thorough rinsing and drying.

Towels

Place paper towels below fluid components to soak up leaks before disassembly. If a leak occurs, soak towels with 50% bleach before discarding.

Waste Fluids

Before disposal, clean potentially biohazardous waste fluids in accordance with institutional policies. Discard waste fluids only in biohazard waste containers. Ask the laboratory supervisor for proper facilities.

Spills

Clean the system and work surfaces after any spill of potentially infectious material (See Cleaning the System.)

Equipment and Spare Parts

Clean equipment and spare parts before beginning repairs in the laboratory or transporting equipment to another area. Do not remove anything from the lab that may be contaminated.

Skin

Wash skin surfaces immediately if there has been any skin contact with biohazardous materials. Wash hands after removing barrier clothing and before leaving the laboratory.

Tools and Equipment

To avoid accidental injuries, take extraordinary care when using tools and equipment. Clean tools after use.

Accidents

Any spill or accident that results in a hazardous situation must be reported. Use the following guidelines:

  • Immediately report any spill or accident that results in potential exposure to infectious material to the appropriate laboratory staff.
  • Follow the laboratory's established guidelines for accident reporting, and assist in creating a written record of the event.
  • Report the incident to your supervisor as soon as possible to protect yourself. Incident reports are available on the intranet in the Safety Zone.
  • Seek medical evaluation, surveillance, and treatment if you or your supervisor believes there is any possibility you were infected.