Fluid Handling Guidelines

Chemical Safety

Some system fluids are corrosive. Fluid handling should be suspended when an operator is accessing an interior part of the system in which active pipetting or dispensing of fluid is occurring (upper left or right areas of the system). Fluid spill containment is incorporated under the fluid storage vessels.

Reagent Information

The reagent package inserts provide limited descriptions of the chemical components of each reagent. More complete information is provided in the reagent Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), which should be consulted for possible chemical hazards, proper handling, and disposal considerations.

Calibrators and Controls

Treat all calibrators and controls as potentially infectious. (See Biohazard Warnings and precautions.)

Reagents

Dispose of reagents in a container approved for mercury. Thimerosal contains a small percentage of mercury. Buffer spills are extremely sticky. Immediately mop up any buffer spills.

Waste Bottles

Use caution when handling the Liquid Waste Bottles. They may contain both biohazardous waste and sodium hypochlorite (bleach). When removing the waste containers, wipe down all surfaces near the containers with 50% bleach in deionized water, let sit for one minute, then wipe with deionized water.