Sterilization of the biological safety cabinet.
Test strips comprising B subtilis spores or M phlei cells dried on aluminium foil (some serum-coated) were used to test sterilizing processes currently advised for safety cabinets. Exposure to formalin from a bowl, boiling excess formalin with the fan running, and ultraviolet radiation were all found to be unreliable, as was glutaraldehyde. Vaporization of 2 ml of formalin per 0.028 m(3) followed by exposure for 18 hours at ambient temperatures was 100% successful, and the depolymerization of paraformaldehyde tablets with a hair drier was a simple, very effective alternative method.
D001412:Bacillus subtilis; D004202:Disinfectants; D004864:Equipment and Supplies; D005557:Formaldehyde; D005976:Glutaral; D006358:Hot Temperature; D007753:Laboratories; D009161:Mycobacterium; D010242:Paraldehyde; D011482:Protective Devices; D013171:Spores, Bacterial; D013242:Sterilization; D013696:Temperature; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
D004202:Disinfectants; D005557:Formaldehyde; D010242:Paraldehyde; D005976:Glutaral