The steam autoclave
Steam sterilization is the preferred method of sterilization and works by denaturing proteins. Steam autoclaves are equipment designed to use high pressure and temperature steam to kill microorganisms. Sterilization involves the complete destruction of all microorganisms, including resistant bacteria, bacterial spores, protozoa, prions, viruses and fungi present in liquids, surfaces of materials, drugs or culture media.
Types of laboratory shakers
Laboratory shakers, also known as mixers, are laboratory products used in the chemistry and biology sectors to mix liquids and prepare solutions and suspensions. These equipments create a movement between liquids or between liquids and solids in order to achieve processes of mixing, suspension, dispersion, homogenization, heat transfer, etc. At present, stirring systems (agitators) are used in all laboratories, be they chemistry, biology, among others.
What is a fluorescence microscope?
Fluorescence microscopy is a special form of light microscopy. It uses the ability of fluorochromes to emit light after being excited with light of a certain wavelength. Proteins of interest can be labeled with such fluorochromes by antibody staining or fluorescent protein labeling. It allows to determine the distribution of a single molecule, its quantity and its location within a cell. Furthermore, colocalization and interaction studies can be carried out, observing ionic concentrations using dyes that bind reversibly, and cellular processes such as endocytosis and exocytosis can be observed.
How does immersion oil work?
Optical microscopes use two basic types of objectives: dry objectives and immersion objectives. These two types of objectives differ depending on the medium between the specimen and the objective lens. In the case of dry objectives, there is no medium between the sample and the objective other than air. Immersion objectives, on the other hand, are designed to observe the sample through a layer of immersion medium that normally consists of oil. This means that just the right amount of oil needs to be placed between the coverslip that protects the specimen and the objective lens.
What is an Autoclave for a dental clinic?
An autoclave is a fundamental piece of equipment to guarantee the safety of patients and professionals in dental clinics through the sterilization of dental instruments. Given its importance in the daily work of dental professionals, it is vital to know what type of autoclave is the best and what aspects should be taken into account when choosing it.
Hematology analyzer vs. biochemical
A hematology analyzer or hematology analyzer is a device that allows you to perform a complete blood count. In other words, it performs a qualitative and quantitative analysis of red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets (thrombocytes).
Refrigerators and Freezers – Vaccine Storage Units
Safe storage of vaccines is a crucial component of protecting patients from disease. If vaccines are not stored properly, the patient’s confidence in the vaccine schedule can be lost.
What is a PCR work cabinet?
The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a laboratory technique used to amplify DNA sequences. The method uses short DNA sequences called primers to select the part of the genome to be amplified. The temperature of the sample is raised and lowered repeatedly to help the DNA replication enzyme duplicate the DNA sequence that is being copied.
pH meter vs. dissolved oxygen meter
The pH is the unit of measurement that describes the degree of acidity or alkalinity and is measured on a scale ranging from 0 to 14. An approximate indication of pH can be obtained using pH indicators or tapes, which change color depending on the variation of the pH level. But these indicators have limitations in terms of accuracy and can be difficult to interpret correctly in dark or colorful samples.
What is a hematocrit centrifuge?
A centrifuge for hematocrit is specialized equipment that allows to obtain the compact ratio of the volume of erythrocytes in the blood. In less than seven minutes, this machine allows the erythrocytes to reach their maximum compaction density, thus knowing their hematocrit level and also having cell-free plasma used later in other analyzes.