Glasswashing

The Glasswashing core is primarily responsible for the cleaning and sterilization of reusable laboratory glassware, reagents, and equipment. We also provide the sterilization of biohazardous waste from all Masonic Cancer Research Building (formerly named Cancer Center Research Building) laboratories.

This centralized service eliminates the need for individual investigators to maintain space, equipment and personnel in their own laboratories to handle the washing and sterilization.

 

Equipment

4 Amsco Reliance 400 fully automated two level glasswashers with integral dryers.

Autoclaves
All sterilizers, except the one used for decontamination of biohazardous materials, use highly purified reverse osmosis/deionized water to generate the steam to the chamber to avoid deposits of dissolved contaminants that non-pure steam could leave on research products.

  • 3 Amsco Century steam sterilizers, located in room 405 (2 large 36"x24" + 1 small 20"x20") .
  • 1 Amsco Vacumatic 3043-S for biohazard processing (36"x48").
  • 3 Amsco Century steam sterilizers located on the research floors (20"x20").
  • 2 Memmert ULE 600 SS ovens — (temperature range 20oC- 300oC)

Glassware Dryer

  • 1 Amsco Reliance 1024 Glassware dryer (temperature range 0oF — 200oF)

Locations

CCRB Location:
3-230A CCRB

MCRB Location:
405 MCRB

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Policies

Procedures

  • All glassware must be labeled with the initials of the P.I. and room number. (Special non- toxic, permanent marking pens are available).
  • All glassware must be rinsed and free of gels, agars, and greases and placed to soak in mild detergent in dishpans (provided by glasswashing).
  • Investigators must neutralize chemical glassware before sending it to the glasswashing room. (Consult with Glasswashing supervisor as to proper procedure.)
  • No siliconized glassware should be sent to the glasswashing room. Process only in labs.
  • Quality assurance testing will be done at various phases of the operation to assure cleanliness and sterility.

Proceedures

  • All lab areas will have two carts. One for soaking dirty glassware and one to accommodate glassware and general sterilization processing needs. (Carts are provided by glasswashing.)
  • Dirty glassware and items for sterilizing (steam or baking) will be picked up in a timely manner.
  • All items will be washed, dried, and sterilized according to the set standards and procedures for each investigator's area. Wrapping, foiling, pipette plugging, baking, and autoclaving of liquids will be provided.
  • If you have something that requires immediate or special attention please bring it to room 405 or call 4-7167 for assistance and/or pickup.
  • When items are finished being processed they will be delivered back to each lab and will be put away in designated areas that have been established by each lab. At that time we will check to see if another soiled pickup is needed. If needed, those items would be returned to you the following day.
  • Same-day service is available for most items. Baked glassware will require a next-day turnaround time.
  • Autoclaves dedicated for laboratory use are located on floors 4, 5, and 6. The glasswashing staff will be responsible for providing training on these and also for the maintenance and supply upkeep. Please call 4-7167 to report any problems you may experience.

 

Biohazard Waste Processing

Biohazard waste has to be brought to room 405 CCRB. Refer to the following guidelines:

  • Waste must be contained in approved clear autoclave bags and be placed in labeled support containers that are clearly identified as containing biohazard waste.
  • Support containers and biohazard labels are available from glasswashing. Approved bags available from University Stores: #CX10018 Bag, Biohazard, 25"x35" VWR #11213-110.
  • Bags must not be filled more than halfway. All bags must be secured to prevent spillage. Please allow enough bag material at the top for safe handling.
  • If the bags contain any type of liquids please double bag it to avoid any leaking during transport and processing.