Cleaning Requirements

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

Samples

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

2.5%–3.5% Sodium Hypochlorite Solution

Clean the system and bench top work area with a solution of 2.5%–3.5% sodium hypochlorite solution in deionized water. Allow the solution to contact surfaces for at least one minute. Follow with a deionized water (DI) rinse or wipe. Do not allow the sodium hypochlorite solution to dry.

The Sample Racks and Reagent Racks should not be cleaned with ethanol because it damages adhesive labels. The monthly maintenance procedure directs you to clean the Sample Racks and Reagent Racks by soaking them for 10 minutes in a 2.5%–3.5% sodium hypochlorite solution followed by thorough rinsing and drying.

Gloves

Gloves should be worn at all times while replacing and repairing system modules. Gloves should also be changed when transitioning:

  • From a module which is post-amplification (Dirty) to a module which is pre-amplification (Clean).
  • From a module which is post-amplification (Dirty) to another post-amplification (Dirty) module.

Gloves do not need to be changed when transitioning from a pre-amplification (Clean) module to another pre-amplification (Clean) module.

Clean and Dirty Areas of the Panther System

Towels

Place paper towels below fluid components to soak up leaks before disassembly. If a leak occurs, soak towels with a 2.5%–3.5% sodium hypochlorite solution before discarding.

Waste Fluids

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

Spills

Clean the system and work surfaces after any spill of potentially infectious material.

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. (link to cleaning procedure).

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.

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. GP 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.