Laboratory Safety
As researchers work more with primary cultures and mammalian
cells, flow cytometer operators find themselves increasingly
handling potentially biohazardous materials. Cytomation's MoFlo®
has been designed not only to provide high speed performance but
also to incorporate the highest level of laboratory and operator
safety.
Laser Safety
MoFlo cytometers comply with the applicable laser safety regulations from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the Centers for Disease and Radiological Health (CDRH) and the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Internationally, MoFlo complies with the International Electrotechnical Commission's Standard for Safety of Laser Products IEC-60825-1, as well as EN 60-1:1994.
Flow cytometer operators typically need access to the
optical elements of the system. Only MoFlo has been designed
to allow complete access without the need to remove or defeat
any safety shields. The laser beams are enclosed by opaque light
guides, leaving the photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) and filters
within easy reach.
Electrical
The MoFlo product line conforms to international regulations encompassing
accessibility of high voltages by the operator. In the United States, each
MoFlo is manufactured to comply with applicable regulations from the American National
Standards Institute (ANSI), the Occupational Saftey and Health Administration (OSHA),
and various state regulatory organizations.
Internationally, each MoFlo is manufactured to comply with the International
Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control and Laboratory Use (IEC 61010-1)
and subsequent Amendments. The EC Declaration of Conformity for MoFlo lists those applicable
directives and standards to which MoFlo conforms.
Safety By Basic Design
Cytomation's initial design philosophy for the MoFlo was not
only to include the highest performance features possible but
also to provide the best safety environment for the laboratory
and operator. These safety considerations are clearly seen in
MoFlo's subsystems in which the sample and operator
interact, i.e. sample loading, fluidics, and sort chamber.
Sample Loading
Due to the high pressure (approximately 60 psi) to which
the sample is subjected, the risk of sample tube breakage must
be considered. The MoFlo Pneumatic Sample Station automatically
encases the sample tube in a transparent thick-walled safety
chamber which itself is pressurized.
This method of sample pressurization removes the stress on
the sample tube, thus practically eliminating any danger of
breakage. The pressure chamber accepts a variety of tube sizes,
which can be agitated, heated, or cooled without any contact
by the operator.
Fluidics
To operate at high speeds, a flow cytometer must use
pressures of 60 psi and higher. The International Society of
Analytical Cytology (ISAC) has noted that simply
increasing the operating pressure of a low-speed system can
be extremely dangerous.
The entire fluidics subsystem of the MoFlo is designed to
operate at up to 100 psi with complete safety. All components
are HPLC-grade, including PEEK tubing and swage locks, for
maximum performance and safety.
Sort Chamber
An aerosol containment shield encloses the sort chamber
to ensure that no particles escape during a sort. An optional
aerosol evacuation system creates a negative pressure within
the sort chamber and changes the air in the sort chamber
seven times per minute. Any biohazardous aerosol evacuated from
the chamber is trapped in a HEPA filter.
Safety Tested
The MoFlo was tested for biohazard safety using the
recently published ISAC procedures.* There was no evidence of any
aerosol outside of the sorting chamber, even without the use of the
negative pressure system.
Cytomation's Commitment
In 1997, Cytomation's chief flow cytometrist participated
on the ISAC Safety Committee to develop guidelines for biohazard
safety. Cytomation's commitment is to continue to develop
innovative technology that incorporates safety for the operator
from start to finish.
* Biohazard Guidelines,
Cytometry 28:99-117, 1997
For more information about our products, please contact Cytomation
at information@cytomation.com.
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