Cleaning a Spill Inside a Cytological Centrifuge

A cytological centrifuge is used mainly for clinical diagnostic procedures. Different liquid specimens are placed in it, such as blood, urine, and other bodily fluids. This makes the device at high risk of spilling and contamination especially when the samples are not handled with care.

Cleaning the centrifuge thoroughly and regularly is a must in any clinic or laboratory. Regular cleaning helps reduce the exposure to various health risks. It also maintains the centrifuge at its optimal shape and performance.

Things needed when cleaning a cytological centrifuge

When cleaning a cytological centrifuge, you will need the following materials:

• forceps or tweezers
• paper towels
• container to soak the contaminated parts of the centrifuge unit
• approved EPA disinfectant or freshly prepared bleach at 10% solution
• spray bottle that contains 70% Ethanol or 70% isopropanol
• sharps disposal container
• biohazard waste container

Steps to be taken when cleaning a cytological centrifuge

1. Use a forceps or tweezers to weed out splinters or the broken tubes inside the centrifuge, then dispose them in a sharps container;
2. Remove the tube adapter from the rotor and place it in a container that can fit all the parts of the centrifuge that need to be disinfected;
3. After soaking, wash and rinse the centrifuge parts;
4. Check for visible pieces of glass and splinters before cleaning the interior of the centrifuge unit;
5. Soak all the fluids that have spilled in the bottom of the centrifuge using paper towels until all liquid has been absorbed;
6. Throw the contaminated paper towels in the Biohazard Waste Container;
7. Spray the interior of the centrifuge unit with a disinfectant and let rest for 10 minutes, then wipe the surface of the centrifuge twice with paper towels soaked in distilled water.
8. Soak the tube adapter in disinfectant for another 20 minutes, then rinse and dry.
9. Wash your hands after cleaning with soap, water, and then sanitise with alcohol. Don’t forget to dispose of the used gloves and other contaminated materials in the Biohazard Container.

Wayne Whitehurst