清洁实验室表面的最佳方法是什么?

从病理学检测到药物研发，卫生应是所有实验室的优先事项。清洁和消毒表面尤其重要，因为这些地方可能是细菌、病毒和其他污染物的滋生地。那么，清洁实验室台面、把手、仪器旋钮和电脑键盘等表面的最佳方法是什么呢?

Bust pathogens with chemical germicides

Many laboratories rely on chemical germicides to clean and decontaminate surfaces. These chemical solutions come in different strengths - low, intermediate and high. Intermediate chemical germicides are the most common and generally contain 10% sodium hypochlorite or bleach. This level of chemical germicide is capable of killing most bacteria. To kill endospores, vegetative cells, mycobacteria and certain types of viruses it’s important to upgrade to high level chemical germicides such as glutaraldehyde-based formulas.

Commercial cleaning products can be a good way to eliminate bacteria and other contaminants, though instructions must be followed carefully. These solutions don’t always act immediately, and the solution may need to be left on the surface for a certain amount of time to achieve the best possible results.

为什么要清洁实验室表面?

Now we know more about how to clean laboratory surfaces, let’s take a closer look at why gold-standard protocols are so important.

Supports staff safety

Cleaning laboratory surfaces helps keep staff safe and prevent workplace injuries. For example, leaving a corrosive chemical spill on benchtop could accidently burn the hands of the next staff member that uses the space. Properly cleaning lab surfaces also prevents the spread of pathogens in laboratories. As demonstrated by theCOVID-19 pandemic, infectious bacteria and viruses can survive on hard surfaces for long periods of time. This means pathogens can quickly spread in laboratory environments, where personnel are often touching the same surfaces and sharing equipment. Good cleaning practices help minimise the risk of infections and keep staff safe.

This is particularly important in clinical and biomedical labs, where staff are exposed to high-risk pathogens. TheBiosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratoriesdocument published by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention highlights the importance of good surface cleaning practices in scientific facilities:

“For example, one report of occupational exposures associated with Brucella melitensis, an organism capable of transmission by the aerosol route, described how a staff member in a clinical microbiology laboratory accidentally sub-cultured B. melitensis on the open bench,” reads the document. “This error and a breach in containment practices resulted in eight LAIs with B. melitensis among 26 laboratory members - an attack rate of 31%.”

Prevents cross-contamination

交叉污染是所有实验室的主要问题，会影响结果的准确性和可靠性。良好的实验室表面清洁规程将交叉污染的风险降到最低。

Improves workflows

Laboratory personnel work more efficiently in spaces that are neat, organised and clean. Having clear-cut surface cleaning guidelines in place can help improve workflows.

Extends the lifespan of surfaces

From corrosive chemicals to rust accelerants, contaminants can quickly damage and degrade laboratory surfaces. Effective cleaning practices help extend the lifespan of surfaces in the lab.

Good surface cleaning protocols is one of many ways to improve lab hygiene. Find out more about best practice methods, including general housekeeping rules that can be adopted at most facilities, in‘Laboratory Hygiene - A Comprehensive Guide’.