We have recently become very fond of using 0.1N NaOH to "cleanse" our cytometer. The advantage is that it hydrolyzes DNA/RNA, which is one of the major contributors to clogs for certain cell samples. It solubilizes cells quite well. After any clog (partial or full), and at the end of the day, we always run three things through the cytometer (make sure the fluid from each runs long enough to go through the nozzle--i.e., boost for 15-30 seconds minimum). (1) 0.1N NaOH (sterile filtered, made in the best water you have) (2) CoulterCleanse solution (3) dH2O (if end of day, we leave the tubing filled with distilled water) After each of the tubes 1-3, we wipe down the outside of the sample inlet tube with a kemwipe, while the instrument back-flushes sheath fluid, and wash with dH20, to prevent contaminating future samples with the base or the cleansing solution. To sterilize, we may also run 70% ethanol through the system. However, I strongly endorse the NaOH--It cleans clogs like nothing else we've ever tried. mr (Disclaimer: I have no idea what 0.1N NaOH might do to your tubing, nozzle, or other equipment. We've used it for nearly a year with no problems on multiple instruments, however, make sure you understand the risks to your instrument of any solution you apply to your fluidics).
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