DESCRIBE THE CORRECT PROCEDURES FOR CLEANING AND MAINTAINING

LABORATORY EQUIPMENT
A. CARE FOR THE MICROSCOPE
1. When not in use for an extended period of time, the microscope always should be covered or protected
from dust.
2. Before use, inspect the component parts. If dust is found, use an air syringe, a camel hair brush, or a
soft lint- free cloth to remove it. Using lens paper directly on a dirty lens without first removing the dust
may scratch the lens. Do not use laboratory wipes or facial tissue to clean the lenses.
3. Avoid placing fingers on the lens surface. Fingerprints affect the contrast and resolution of the image.
4. Use solvent sparingly. The use of xylene is discouraged, because it contains a carcinogenic component
(benzene). Xylene is also a poor cleaning agent, leaving an oily film on the lens. Lens cleaner or 70%
isopropyl alcohol employed sparingly on a cotton applicator stick can be used to clean the objective
lenses. Alcohol should be kept away from the periphery of the lenses, because alcohol can dissolve the
cement and seep into the back side of the lens.
5. When fresh oil is added to residual oil on the 100x objective lens, there may be loss of contrast. Clean
off all residual oil first.
6. Do not use water to clean lenses. Your condensed breath on the lens surface may be useful in cleaning
slightly soiled lenses.
7. When transporting the microscope, place one hand under the base as support and one hand firmly
around the arm
8. Semiannual or annual maintenance with thorough cleaning should be done by a professional.
Reference:
Rodak, B. F., Fritsma, G. A., Keohane, E. M. (2012). Hematology: Clinical principles and applications
(4th ed.). St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier Suanders. p. 37
B. CARE FOR MICROHEMATOCRIT CENTRIFUGE/ MICROFUGE
1. Make sure the centrifuge is unplugged before cleaning and always wear protective clothing when using
any cleaning materials.
2. Never use bleach, abrasives or corrosive solvents. Do not spray or allow any liquid to get inside the
centrifuge.
3. Use a cloth slightly dampened with any non-corrosive disinfectant solution to clean the lid and other
parts of the centrifuge housing. Dry all surfaces with a soft tissue or cloth after cleaning.

The rotor should be cleaned every month or as required by the laboratory protocol. Make sure the rotor is
thoroughly dry before reinstalling. Liquid left on the rotor will cause damage to the device. Re-install the
rotor making certain that the rotor knob is tight.
4. Cleaning the tube holders is not recommended but in cases of a capillary tube break or a sealant
blowout, simply discard the affected tube and tube holder and replace with a new tube holder.
5. Inspect tube holders regularly and replace them when they become dirty and/or contaminated.
6. Periodically inspect the lid, lid gasket and rotor to ensure there are no cracks or damage.
Reference:
Microhematocrit system: Operators manual. Monroe Road, Suite 1424 Sanford: Separation Technology,
Inc. p. 16- 17
C. CARE FOR ORDINARY CENTRIFUGE
1. Daily clean any spills or debris, such as blood or glass.
2. Ensure that the centrifuge is properly balanced and free from any excessive vibrations. A centrifuge
needs to be balanced based on equalizing both the volume and weight distribution across the centrifuge
head. A good rule of thumb is one of even placement and one of opposition. Exact positioning of tubes
depends on the design of the centrifuge holders.
3. The centrifuge cover should remain closed until the centrifuge has come to a complete stop to avoid
any aerosol contamination.
4. It is recommended that the timer, brushes (if present), and speed be periodically checked.
5. The specific manufacturers service manual should be consulted for details on how to change brushes
(graphite bars attached to a retainer spring; creates an electrical contact in the motor) and on lubrication
requirements.
Reference:
Bishop, M. L., Fody, E. P., Schoeff, L. E. (2013). Clinical chemistry: Principles, techniques, and
correlations (7th ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. p. 19