lecture 1 module Flashcards
Relative Centrifugal Force (RCF)
describe the force imparted on a particle in suspension during centrifugation
RCF is determined by the mass of the particle (1.118 x10^.5) , the speed of rotation - r and the radius of the rotary head -cm.
rheostat on centrifuge
controlling knob, which controls the amount of line voltage to the motor, and thus regulates the speed of rotation of the shaft.
There are two kinds of centrifuge heads in use in the clinical laboratory:
- Horizontal (swing-out) head
- Fixed-angle head. does not have trunnion rings (the things that make the baskets lie flat during spinnig) like baby centrifuge
rpm
(revolutions per minute) is a measure of the speed of rotation of a centrifuge which can be determined by a device called a tachometer.
Guard Bowl big bowl in cnetrifuge
- It minimizes wind resistance on the rotating head.
- It provides for operator safety. The guard bowl will contain glass and biologicals in the event of breakage, as well as minimizing the spread of aerosols.
two classes of centrifuges
found in the routine laboratory
general purpose centrifuges - bench top
* centrifuges for specialized usage - ultracentrifuge
If breakage occurs, carefully clean the bowl, shields, etc what is the procedure
2% glutaraldehyde solution to clean the centrifuge if potentially infectious
material is present. The gluteraldehyde should be left for a minimum of one hour. The centrifuge may then be wiped clean with soap and water
usually due to
improper balancing, the use of inappropriate, chipped or cracked glassware
- Never open the lid of a centrifuge while it is running. why?
tiny droplets of fluid from the tubes are atomized and carried in the air currents
inside the centrifuge, while it is running. Opening the lid of the centrifuge, during
operation, drives aerosols, into the air around the centrifuge, where they could be inhaled by the operator.
There are two ways to transmit heat
One occurs naturally and is called gravity convection. -hot air (or water) rises and cold air (or water) falls so you put a flame at the bottom of an equipment - small volume capacity
The other is forced and is called mechanical convection. fans and air ducts are used to move the air or water - large scale
The graduated thermometer
heat sensitive fluid such as alcohol, which expands
with the application of heat
thermocouple
measures slight temperature changes It usually
consists of temperature probes which are connected to a meter
When a thermocouple is connected to a recording device (such as a pen on paper) so that the temperature is continually monitored over time it is referred to as a recording thermometer or chart recorder. like the round recorder on the walkins
temperature regulator
Temperature Regulating Devices
control dial, set by the operator, which determines the
temperature to be maintained. It is connected to the thermostat.
thermostat
Temperature Regulating Devices
controls temperature by regulating the flow of electricity (or gas) to the
heating unit. maintains a constant temperature
On some pieces of equipment there are two thermostats; a primary or main thermostat and a
secondary or safety thermostat
primary (main) thermostat regulates the desired temperature by controlling the amount of heat entering the unit - some fridges that have sensitve samples that can be ruined
secondary (safety) thermostat is usually set two degrees higher than the primary
thermostat. - with warning light or alarm
secondary (safety) thermostat is usually set two degrees higher than the primary
thermostat.
hygrometer i
gauge which measures the humidity, usually in % R.H. (Percent Relative
Humidity).
humidistat
regulates (or controls) the amount of moisture entering the unit in order to
maintain a preset value.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL
Daily: * Check thermostat settings
* Record temperature, CO2 and humidity readings
* Check water level
Weekly: * Check proper running of fans, lights
* Check proper functioning of hinges, catches
* Change water (unless connected to a tap)
Monthly: * Clean and disinfect
Six months * Change filters. Many models contain filters to one year: for such things as CO2 input, water input, etc. These must be replaced on a regular basis or they become clogged with impurities.
COMMON TYPES OF THERMAL EQUIPMENT FOUND IN LABORATORIES
Hot plates
Slide warmers
Bacti-cinerators
Incubators
* Waterbaths
Refrigerators
Hot air ovens
Autoclaves
Microwave ovens
Mass/Weight
Mass is the amount or quantity of
matter, while weight reflects the force of gravity that is applied to a given mass.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity is
the smallest weight that can be measured by a balance.
Addition Weighing
Double pan balances are based on the principle of addition weighing. like the traditional scales with one side having calibrated weights
variable load balances
Substitution Weighing
Weighing by substitution also compares two masses on opposite sides of a beam or lever.
However, on one side is a weigh pan and a series of removable calibrated weights, which is exactly balanced by a counterweight on the opposite arm.
an object is put on the scale and calibrated weights have to be pulled off so they are in line with the counter weight on the opposite side
The counterweight is equal to the total of removable weights
constant load balances.
Electromagnetic Force Compensation
top-loading balance
current is proportional to the weight
of the load on the pan and produces a voltage that is converted by a microprocessor and the weight of the mass is displayed on the readout