Using Laboratory Refrigerators and Freezers

The best way to preserve samples in a laboratory is with the help of exclusive lab refrigerators and/or lab freezers . Besides storage, these refrigerators play an important role in preservation too. Laboratory refrigerators have many uses. They are used to store lab chemicals and samples that are used in experiments. Thus, based on each labs needs and requirments the fridges and freezers need to be procured.

Of course, as requirements become more sophisticated, the more costly the appliance becomes. These refrigerators come in different varieties. You can purchase those that stand-alone. There are also upright versions to choose from. You also get those that will stash away neatly under your counter. Your choice of a lab refrigerator or freezer depends totally on the lab work and your requirements.

Generally a research laboratory is fitted with freezer and a refrigerator. Besides this, care is taken to have a safety protocol in place. Each and every member of the staff that handles samples in the lab are well of the protocol involved. For some special experiments and samples there will also be a requirement for some specialized apparatus.

To start off make sure that the laboratory refrigerator has the temperature set to what your sample requires. Refrigerators have a temperature range anywhere between 5 to 15 degree Celsius. Freezers have temperatures that go even lower and can be anywhere between minus 15 to 25 degree Celsius. In the case of vaccine storage, the temperatures go even further below.

It is necessary to use all the paraphernalia provided with the refrigerators or freezers in the right manner. Based on the kind of experiment you are conducting, you may use these additional equipments to regulate temperature.

One thing you should be sure of is that your refrigeration and freezing systems meet the stringent norms laid out by regulatory boards. This is all the more necessary when it considering blood storage. An alarm to warn about potential harm due to power fluctuations should be made.

The plasma for blood banks should be stored in separate plasma freezers. Done properly, this can last up to a year. This permits the blood bank to work easily on replenishing its stocks. Exclusive refrigeration systems are needed for temperature sensitive storage. This includes, blood, plasma, vaccines etc. Research that requires the cultivation and observation of bacteria will require storage systems that switch between heating and cooling mechanisms.

If your laboratory handles temperature sensitive materials and they are volatile, use specially designed refrigeration and freezing systems. These fridges will have to well labeled in order to prevent an hazards. In the case of inflammable and explosion-proof units, they both have to have UL-certification.

Remember that cryogenic based laboratories will require the use of specialized equipment. This is to create the very low temperatures needed. Dual compressor cascade system is what will be utilized in such situations.

As part of the laboratory staff, you will need to make arrangements for essential safety and precautionary requirements. This includes restriction of personnel access, protection from flammable substances etc. only when such details are in place can the refrigerator be used to its highest potential.

Author Bio: Dr. Bob Sandor is a Director at Tovatech, a leading North American supplier of laboratory refrigerators. When not busy running his company, he explores his fascination with the many aspects of various scientific & industrial devices. For more details on the above you can reach him through the laboratory refrigerator section of his website.

Category: Advice
Keywords: lab refrigerator,laboratory,lab equipment,refrigeration,laboratory refrigerator,lab refrigeration

Leave a Reply