Protocols_SOP_Aspiration Systems_V1.0 draft - BackmanLab/BackmanLab.github.io GitHub Wiki

Procedure: Liquid Aspirator Systems (LAS) Operation and Maintenance Protocol

SOP Prepared by: Maria Proença Version: 1.0

  1. Scope

Aspiration of liquids using vacuum is an important task in laboratories with a focus on cell culture. This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) contains basic guidelines on the use/set-up of stand-alone vacuum systems and the necessary associated traps used with liquid aspiration systems.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

This SOP doesn't not supersede the requirement of reading the LAS manuals for the BVC ProG and VHC^Pro^ components. Copy of the manuals are available in the lab's NU Box folder as well as in the Equipment Manuals & Spare Parts drawer next to the system. Before using any of the LAS, you must read the operating manual carefully and familiarize yourself with the device's mode of operation.

  1. Description

LAS use vacuum to reach the required suction power for efficient aspiration. If vacuum pumps are not properly installed, trapped and exhausted they may expose you to hazardous chemicals and vapors.

All liquid aspiration systems (LAS) can be hazardous if used or maintained improperly. A container under vacuum can implode and cause injury by violently spraying glass and hazardous materials. All glass containers must be strong enough to handle the pressure differential without failure. If the apparatus or glass lines are chipped or cracked, the container must be replaced immediately.

This SOP covers the following laboratory systems:

  • The double trap liquid aspiration system setup (DTLAS, cell culture room# B-749)

  • BVC ProG VaccuCenter (EIBS room# B-745)

This Procedure provides the basic guidelines for the specific operation, routine (user) maintenance, decontamination/cleaning, and emergency procedures for the Backman Lab's LAS system described above. Staff should not use any of the systems unless properly trained.

  1. Personal Protective Equipment

  • Lab coat;

  • Disposable gloves;

  • Safety goggles;

  1. Potential Hazards & Safety Precautions
  • Physical hazards: Vacuum work can result in implosion and the possible hazards of flying glass, splattering chemicals and fire. Vacuum systems must always be set up and operated with careful consideration of the potential risks.

All glass containers must be strong enough to handle the pressure differential without failure. If the apparatus or glass lines are chipped or cracked, the container must be replaced immediately.

Make sure the exhaust tube is not blocked -- Risk of Bursting!

Vacuum traps should be enclosed inside a rigid container, particularly if the trap is located on the floor.

However the overall health and safety risk for use of LAS in accordance with the procedure and protocol in the following sections is considered LOW since the systems have a protection chamber and/or emergency stop to safeguard the user

  • Exposure hazards: If vacuum pumps are not properly installed, trapped and exhausted they may expose you to hazardous chemicals and vapors.

Materials being aspired can become aerosolized or produce vapors. If the materials are hazardous, this can expose the user to hazardous air when the collection bottle is opened.

It's the user's responsibility to take any additional safety measure based on the reagents/materials being aspired. When aspiring toxic, or pathogenic materials, be aware of potential hazards associated with them in case of leakage during aspiration. If leakage does occur, you may be exposed to particles dispersed in the air (aerosol)/vapors. It is recommended that additional precautions be taken to prevent exposure to these materials such as the use of controlled ventilation or isolation areas.

If exposure occurs to toxic or pathogenic materials all necessary precautions and appropriate decontamination procedures should be used (see lab safety procedures for toxic/pathogenic and Radiation Safety Handbook for radioactive.

When using pathogenic, toxic, or radioactive materials, be aware of potential hazards associated with them. It is recommended that additional precautions be taken to prevent exposure to these materials such as:

  • use controlled ventilation or isolation areas.

  • use precautions and appropriate decontamination procedures.

  • dispose of all waste solutions according to appropriate health and

    safety guidelines.

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  • For safe use of the LAS:

    • Use the system only for aspiration of liquids and filtration.

    • Always check for compatibility of reagents being aspired.

    • Make sure the collection bottle has enough capacity for the

      volumes being aspired (never surpass 80% of capacity).

    • Adjust to the adequate vacuum pressure for your sample type and

      size.

    • Use adequate disposable tips.

    <!-- -->
    • Be aware of potential hazards associated with aspiring toxic, or

      pathogenic materials.

    <!-- -->

    • Dispose of all waste solutions according to NU's procedures for

      Proper Segregation & Disposal of Laboratory Waste guidelines.Do not circumvent any of the safety features (such as the alarm for liquid level in waste collection bottle, override switches, vacuum pressure, etc.). They are there to protect you.

    • Do not allow uncontrolled pressurizing -- make sure exhaust tube

      is not blocked.

    • Do not operate pumps near containers of flammable chemicals,

      flammable chemical wastes, or combustible materials such as paper or cardboard.

    • Do not mix incompatible disinfectants and/or reagents / solvents

      or any unknown substances.

    • Do not use to aspire substances that can form deposits,

      dangerous reactions or gases especially in the collection bottle.

    • Inspect the waste collection bottles and tubing for cracking

      before using. If found, do not use the LAS, replace them and/or inform the employee responsible for the equipment of the problem.

    • Make sure a hydrophobic filter (sterilizable) is always in

      place.

    • Use correct vacuum tubing (thick walls) not thin Tygon-type

      hoses. And vacuum resistant and anti-shatter glass.

    • Inspect the liquid level to ensure enough volume is available.

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  • Replace waste bottle when after each us or at least once it's 80% full.

  • Inactivate waste for ≥60 minutes hours with a compatible decontaminant solution before discarding.

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  • Never operate the LAS without a disposable tip in the suction gun (VHC^Pro^) or tube (double trap liquid aspiration system)

    • Discard tips and clean and disinfect aspiration gun/tube after

      each use.

    • Never exceed the maximum recommended vacuum pressure.

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  • Do not leave the LAS "On" after use.

  • Do not place pumps in an enclosed, unventilated cabinet.

  • Use the shortest length of tubing that reaches where needed.

  • Use appropriate safety-clothing and safety glasses.

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  • Emergency Procedure.
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  • In event of overload, the motor is shut down by a self-hold thermal cutout in the winding.

    • Switch off the pump or isolate the equipment from power supply.

    • Identify and eliminate the cause of failure.

    • Wait approx. 5 mins. before restarting the pump (pump will need to be restarted manually)

  • In event of a spillage:

    • When possible, clean or contain the spillage.

    • Notify others in laboratory and if appropriate, evacuate.

    • Notify the lab supervisor.

    • Notify the Office of Research Safety (ORS).

    • Refer to hazardous agent use protocol (if required).

  • Formation of dangerous, toxic, explosive, corrosive, noxious or polluting fluids, vapors and gases specially in the collection bottle:

    • Install an appropriate collecting and disposal system and take protective action for pump and environment.

    • Make sure to dispose of dangerous gases at the outlet of the pump appropriately;

  1. Materials and Reagents

    5.1. Equipment

    5.1.1. BVC Professional G VacuuCenter and VacuuHandControl Professional (VHC^Pro^) (BVCPro)

System Parts Designations

1 Pump ME 1C 2 Mains connection 3 Fuse holder 4 On / Off Switch 5 Touch panel 6 Rating plate 7 Outlet 8 Connection tubing 9 Hydrophobic protection filter 10 Connection filter 11 Connection VacuuHandControl VHC^Pro^ 12 Closing screw (optional: connection second VHC^Pro^) 13 Screw cap / bottle cap with insert 14 Collection bottle 15 Handle 16 Level sensor 17 Aspiration gun - VacuumHandControl Professional (VHC^Pro^) 18 Operating lever 19 Aspiration knob 20 Adjusting hose 21 Pipette /pipette tip holder assembly 22 Screw cap 23 Adapter for pipette tips 24 Tip dispenser 25 VHC^Pro^ stand

{width="2.3958333333333335in" height="1.801388888888889in"}{width="4.819444444444445in" height="3.2916666666666665in"}

{width="0.4423611111111111in" height="0.2916666666666667in"}

{width="0.4423611111111111in" height="0.2916666666666667in"}{width="1.1388888888888888in" height="0.6083333333333333in"}

{width="0.4423611111111111in" height="0.2916666666666667in"}{width="0.6319444444444444in" height="0.2916666666666667in"}

{width="0.4423611111111111in" height="0.2916666666666667in"}

Image 1. Vacuum pump and waste collection bottle system, BVC Professional G VacuuCenter (a) and VacuuHandControl Professional (VHC^Pro^) aspiration gun (b).

5.1.2. Double trap Liquid aspiration system (DTLAS)

Pub-3000: CH26 Biosafety{width="6.92761154855643in" height="3.1319444444444446in"}

Image 2. Double trap liquid aspiration system for hazardous fluids (DTLAS).

Materials

  • Only use tubes, bottles, or other containers rated for vacuum use

    and chemically compatible with the contents being aspired.

  • Make sure the collection bottle and connections are securely closed

    when aspiring potentially hazardous materials (chemical, biological substances). Do not overfill waste container past 80% capacity.

  • Disposable tips compatible with the volume being aspired (2-200 μl

    for VHC^Pro^ and 100-1000 μl or serological for DTLAS)

  • BVC Pro:

    • Waste collection bottles - BVC 2L Bottle Glass (VacuumBrand, Cat# 20635809)- 1 gal borosilicate, with high chemical resistance, splinter-proof coating, special bottle head for minimized foam and aerosol formation, hose nozzle for VacuuHandControl VHC^pro^

    • Hydrophobic filter - Protection filter 0.2 µm (VacuumBrand, Cat# 20638266) for connection to pump unit BVC; fully autoclavable. Autoclavable up to 20 times.

    • Replacement tubing - Spare tubing for VHC / VHC^pro^ (VacuumBrand, Cat# 20636156).

    • Aspiration gun -- VacuuHandControl VHC^pro^ (VacuumBrand, Cat# 20688061).

    • The double trap liquid aspiration system

    • Adapter for pipette tips 2 -- 200 μl with tip ejector (VacuumBrand, Cat# 20635638).

  • DTLAS:

    • Waste collection bottles - BVC 2L Bottle Glass (VacuumBrand, Cat# 20635809)- 1 gal borosilicate, with high chemical resistance, splinter-proof coating, special bottle head for

    • Shaterproof 2L bottle & 1 L Overflow Aspiration Bottle assembly with secondary container, Bleach Compatible HDPE and Inlet Vent Filter (Fisher Sci., Cat # 501 351 712 or Foxx Life Sci, Cat # 3022101FLS)

    • Vacuum pump

Reagents and Solutions

NOTE 1.: It is the user's responsibility to take any additional precaution and safety measures based on the reagents/materials to be aspired. Including prepare additional decontamination solutions.

  • 70% Ethanol

    • 70 mL denatured Ethanol + 30 mL of RO water

  • 10% (100 ml/L) Commercial bleach (a.k.a. sodium hypochlorite)

    • 10 mL denatured Ethanol + 90 mL of RO water or 200 ml for each 800 mL of liquid biohazard waste.
  1. Procedure

NOTE 2.: This SOP doesn't not supersede the requirement of reading the LAS manuals for the BVC ProG and VHC^Pro^ components. Copy of the manuals are available in the lab's NU Box folder as well as in the Equipment Manuals & Spare Parts drawer next to the system. Before using any of the LAS, you must read the operating manual carefully and familiarize yourself with the device's mode of operation.

6.1. Handling Procedures:

  • To avoid accidents and injury, always follow the manufacturer's

    operating instructions for the LAS being used.

6.2. LAS Inspection:

  • Inspect the waste collection bottles and tubing for cracking before

    using. If found, do not use the LAS, and inform the employee responsible for the equipment of the problem.

  • Make sure there is no liquid in the aspiration tubing

  • Inspect liquid level in the collection bottle to ensure enough

    volume is available and doesn't surpass 80% of the reservoir capacity.

  • Ensure exhaust tube is not blocked.

  • Ensure no flammable chemicals, or combustible materials such as

    ethanol, paper or cardboard are nearby.

  • Make sure the hydrophobic filter is always in place and in good

    condition (not wet or contaminated).

  • Make sure a disposable tip/pipette is in place prior to start

    aspiration.

  • Make sure no items are on top of the LAS while is operating.

  • Do not leave the LAS "On" after use.

  • Do not place pump in an enclosed, unventilated cabinet allowing heat

    and exhaust to build up.

  • Use the shortest length of tubing that reaches where needed.

  • Use appropriate safety-clothing and safety glasses.

6.3. Liquid Aspiration:

6.3.1. Using BVC ProG:

  1. Insert a 2-200 μL disposable tip on the aspiration gun (VHC^Pro^).

  2. Make sure the aspiration knob is set to "Aspiration":

{width="2.2291666666666665in" height="1.4930555555555556in"}NOTE 2: the adjustment knob can be turned through 360^o^, but the knob is not removable.

  1. Ain the vacuum pump display adjust the settings using the unit's touch panel:

Note 3.: The keys only need to be touched gently. Do not press the keys!

  1. {width="1.9236111111111112in"

    height="2.285416666666667in"}Select the "2L Glass" by touching the screen for ~ 1 second (LED on).

  2. Wait for the suction power flashing LED to become steady.

  3. Make sure the power suction selected is adequate for your application or adjust it by gently touching the "+ / -" keys for ~0.25 -- 0.5 seconds.

NOTE 4: The suction power can be set in increments of 100 mbars in the range of 150 mbar (1 LED flashes) to 850 mbar (8 LEDs flash), according with the table:

Setting suction power Underpressure relative to atmospheric pressure / ambient pressure

1 LED 150 mbar 2 LEDs 250 mbar 3 LEDs 350 mbar 4 LDEs 450 mbar 5 LDEs 550 mbar 6 LDEs 650 mbar 7 LDEs 750 mbar 8 LDEs 850 mbar

  1. {width="2.1805555555555554in" height="1.5756944444444445in"}Press the lever to start aspirating.

NOTE 5: Make sure you have a disposal tip inserted on the aspiration gun.

{width="2.1666666666666665in" height="1.4791666666666667in"}

  1. Replace the tip as required by pressing the tip ejector.

  2. At the end of aspiration, continue to aspirate until there is no more liquid in the aspiration tubing.

  3. Purge with the appropriate cleaning or disinfectant agent (e.g. 10% bleach), purge again and continue to aspirate until there is no more liquid in the aspiration tubing.

  4. Discard the tip, spray the gun exterior with 70% ethanol and place it back in the stand.

  5. Turn off the vacuum system.

6.3.1.1. Emptying the collection bottle:

The BVC ProG has a level sensor located on the bottle support (a) grey marked range on the sensor foil) with and alarm that will go off when the bottle is at ~80% of it's capacity (b) this is indicated by blips and by the red LED inside of the bottle change symbol. The pump automatically switches off to avoid overfilling the collection bottle.

{width="1.6238943569553805in" height="2.040277777777778in"}{width="1.7145833333333333in" height="2.033333333333333in"}

  1. Touch the bottle change symbol to switch off the blips. The red LED changes from flashing to glowing).

  2. Make sure the pump is turned Off.

{width="1.229861111111111in" height="1.6659722222222222in"}{width="1.33125in" height="1.7291666666666667in"}

  1. Vent the collection bottle by a) removing the tubing at the inlet of the pump (with the hydrophobic filter), OR b) by unscrewing the valve at the top of the cap, making sure the o'ring doesn't come off.

  2. Unscrew the lid and place it in the marked grey anti-spill tray (shelve above the system).

NOTE 6: When removing the aspiration controller, liquid in the tube may leak!

In such cases, use any additional personal, equipment and environment safety measures required for waste collection and disposal.

  1. Replace the bottle.

  2. Inspect the aspiration controller, for residue accumulation and/or deterioration and clean as appropriate.

  3. Place and adjust the aspiration controller on the bottle (black part of the lid) prior to screw the cap (blue ring of the lid).

  4. a) Connect the hydrophobic filter to the pump OR b) make sure the screw valve is properly fastened.

  5. Turn on the system and test vaccum.

6.3.1.2. Collection bottle decontamination:

  1. Add 160 mL commercial bleach (10% final concentration), cover the bottle and attach a "PostIt" with the following information:

Decontamination in process

Discard after: MM/DD/YY at XX:YY am/pm

Your name

  1. Wait ≥ 60 minutes and discard according with the applicable hazardous waste disposal guidelines.

  2. Wash the bottle with detergent. Make sure of removing incrustations or other deposits.

  3. Let it dry and store it for future use.

6.3.2. Using HFAS:

{width="3.4238681102362203in" height="1.5479166666666666in"}

  1. Insert a 100-1000 μL disposable tip on the aspiration tubing.

  2. Check the available volume in the collection bottles is enough for your procedure.

  3. Check the filter for humidity and/or contamination.

  4. Turn on the vacuum pump and insert the disposable tip in the liquid

    to dispose to start aspiration.

  5. Replace the tip as required.

  6. At the end of your procedure, continue to aspirate until there is no

    more liquid in the aspiration tubing.

  7. Purge with the appropriate cleaning or disinfectant agent (e.g. 10%

    bleach), and continue to aspirate until there is no more liquid in the tubing.

  8. Discard the tip, spray the tubing exterior with 70% ethanol and

    place it back in the stand.

  9. Turn off the vacuum system.

6.3.2.1. Emptying the collection bottle:

Bottle should be emptied after each use or at least when it reaches ~80% of its capacity

  1. Make sure the pump is turned Off.

  2. Gently pull the lid(s) of the waste bottle(s) and place it in the

    marked grey anti-spill tray.

NOTE 7: When removing the aspiration controller, liquid in the tube may leak! In such cases, use any additional personal, equipment and environment safety measures required for waste collection and disposal.

  1. Replace the waste bottles

  2. Inspect the aspiration controller tubing, for residue accumulation

    and/or deterioration and clean as appropriate.

  3. Turn on the system and test the vacuum.

6.3.2.2. Collection bottle decontamination:

  1. Add 10% (100 mL for each 900 mL of biohazardous waste) of

    commercially available bleach to the waste bottle and wait ≥ 60 minutes.

  2. Cover the bottle and attach a "Post It" with the following

    information:

"Decontamination in process

Discard after: MM/DD/YY at XX:YY am/pm

Your name "

  1. Discard waste according with the appropriate hazardous waste

    disposal guidelines.

  2. Wash the bottle with detergent. Make sure of removing incrustations

    or other deposits.

  3. Let it dry and store it until future use.

6.4. Aspiration of Hazardous Materials:

  • Always wear appropriate PPE for the hazard(s).
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  • When removing the aspiration controller, liquid in the tube may

    leak!

    • Adopt suitable measures to prevent the release of dangerous,

      toxic, corrosive, noxious, polluting or explosive fluids, vapors and gases. In such cases, use any additional personal, equipment and environment safety measures required for waste collection and disposal.

6.5. Cleaning and Preventive Maintenance:

  • Frequently inspect the system for cracks, tubing condition,

    accumulation of residues and filter condition.

  • Clean the aspiration tubing and waste bottle regularly to prevent

    damage.

  • Choose the cleaning/disinfection method which follow the guidelines

    in place for your range of application.

    • Do not use cleaning solutions that may deteriorate the

      hydrophobic filter, tubing or the vacuum pump components.

    • Use plastic coated brushes to clean the waste bottles.

    • Thoroughly rinse all washed pieces with water and then air dry.

    • Store the bottles in a dry environment, and cover the bottle

      opening to prevent dust accumulation.

a) Filter sterilization and replacement

  • Filter should be replaced in case of contamination, and weak or no

    aspiration. Use only the original spare part.

  • Spare filters are located in the "Equipment Manual & Spare Parts"

    drawer next to the vacuum pump.

NOTE 8: If you use the last filter, please order more from the vendor (see reference above) and inform the lab manager and/or the room supervisor.

  • Filters can be sterilized up to 20 times at 121^o^C and 2 bar

    absolute.

  • Use the plastic memory disc to keep track of the number of

    sterilizations.

  • Filters can be disinfected with alcohol but might become clogged.

    Allow the filter to dry completely and test prior to use.

  1. Disposals | Spills | Incidents

    1. Waste (see waste segregations and collection SOP for complete information):

Dispose of all waste solutions according to NU's procedures for Proper Segregation & Disposal of Laboratory Waste guidelines including:

  • All waste containers should be closed once ¾ 's full and placed into the appropriate location for pick up.
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  • All waste containers to be picked up by the Safety Office (SO)

    should be properly labelled with the following information:

    • PI's name

    • User | Responsible person

    • Content and approximate amount in %

    • Waste class (e.g. chemical, biohazard, radioactive, etc.)

    • Waste type (e.g. sharps, plastic, glass, metal, etc.)

    • Waste "status" (e.g. liquid, solid, etc.)

[Protocol Specific Waste]{.ul}

  • Dispose of all waste solutions according to appropriate health and

    safety guidelines.

  • Plastic waste should be segregated by type, collected in [specific

    waste containers](https://researchsafety.northwestern.edu/biological-safety-manual/) and placed in the appropriate waste collection area for pickup.

  • Empty any remaining liquids either on a

    chemical or biohazard liquid waste disposal container, and discard tubes in the respective solid waste container, depending on the class of materials being discarded.

  1. Spills:

After using the LAS, check for leaks or spills.

  • If you know, or suspect, a spill has occurred, keep the waste bottle

    closed.

  • Inspect the tubes/containers, filter and pump.

  • Use appropriate decontamination and cleanup procedures for the

    spilled material(s).

  • If exposure occurs to toxic or pathogenic materials all necessary

    precautions and appropriate decontamination procedures should be used (follow safety procedures for toxic/pathogenic and/or Radiation Safety Handbook for radioactive).

  • When applicable:

    • Notify others in laboratory and if appropriate, evacuate

    • Notify the lab supervisor

    • Notify the Office of Research Safety (ORS)

    • Refer to hazardous agent use protocol (if required)

7.3. Mechanical failure:

Deposits and condensed solvent vapor can restrict air flow and the resulting pressure can lead to damage of pump bearings, diaphragms, and valves.

7.3.1. Thermal cutout:

In case of excess temperature (> 40^o^C) the motor will shut down:

  1. Immediately unplug the power cord.

  2. Identify cause of failure and eliminate.

  3. Wait approx. five minutes before restarting the pump.

7.3.2. Shutdown:

  1. Empty bottle

  2. Set the aspiration gun to continuous aspiration and the pump to maximum underpressure.

  3. Allow the pump to run for a few minutes.

  4. If the pump was exposed to media which may fdamage the pump materials of form deposits, check and clean pump head.

  5. Notify others in the laboratory and evacuate (if required)

  6. Notify the lab manager

  7. Post warning signs so no one plugs the system back in.

  8. Move the system to an appropriate location prior to opening the lid.

  9. Do not use the system until it has been inspected and repaired by a qualified service technician.

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  1. References

    1. [*Lab safety and Chemical Hygiene

      Plan*](https://researchsafety.northwestern.edu/safety-information/general-lab-safety/lab-safety-chemical-hygiene-plan/), Northwestern University, 2019.

    2. [*Biological Safety

      Manual*](https://researchsafety.northwestern.edu/biological-safety-manual/), Northwestern University, 2019.

    3. [*Radiation Safety

      Handbook*](https://researchsafety.northwestern.edu/radiation-safety-handbook/), Northwestern University, 2019.

    4. *[Instructions for Use of VacuuHand-Control

      VHC^Pro^](https://www.vacuubrand.com/context/manuals/en/20901311.pdf), VaccuBrand GMBH*, Manual No. 20901311, 2018.

    5. *[Instructions for Use of BVC Professional

      G](https://www.vacuubrand.com/context/manuals/en/20901289.pdf), VaccuBrand GMBH*, Manual No. 20901289, 2018.

    6. [*Best Practices for Balancing Samples in a Lab

      Centrifuge*](https://labcentrifuges.net/blogs/blog/balancing-samples-in-lab-centrifuge), 2019.

    7. *[OSHA Laboratory

      Standard](https://www.osha.gov/Publications/laboratory/OSHA3404laboratory-safety-guidance.pdf).*

    8. Pathogen Safety Data (PSD) Guide, NIH, 2016.

    9. [*Patogenic Safety Data Sheet

      (PSDS)*](https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/laboratory-biosafety-biosecurity/pathogen-safety-data-sheets-risk-assessment.htm), Government of Canada.

SUMMARY FLOWCHART OF EMERGENCY PROCEDURES TO CONSIDER IN CASE OF SPILLAGE OF PATHOGENIC OR TOXIC MATERIAL

**
**

// Protocol Summary//

NOTE: Reading of this Summary does not supersede the requirement of reading the complete SOP and the LAS's instructions manual. This Summary should only be used as a quick reference and only once you're familiarized with the full SOP.

BVC ProG Aspiration System:

Bottle should be emptied after each use or at least when it reaches ~80% of its capacity

  1. Make sure the aspiration knob on the aspiration gun (VHC^Pro^)is set

    to "Aspiration":

  2. In the vacuum pump display adjust the settings using the unit's

    touch panel.

  3. Select the "2L Glass" by touching the screen for ~ 1 second

    (LED on).

  4. Wait for the suction power flashing LED to become steady.

  5. Make sure the power suction selected is adequate for your

    application or adjust it by gently touching the "+ / -" keys for ~0.25 -- 0.5 seconds (min. 100 mbars -- max. 850 mbar in increments of 100 mbars).

  6. Insert a 2-200 μL disposable tip.

  7. Press the lever to start aspirating.

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  1. Replace the tip as required by pressing the tip ejector.

  2. At the end of aspiration, continue to aspirate until there is no more liquid in the aspiration tubing.

  3. Purge with the appropriate cleaning or disinfectant agent (e.g. 10% bleach), purge again and continue to aspirate until there is no more liquid in the aspiration tubing.

  4. Discard the tip, spray the gun exterior with 70% ethanol and place it back in the stand.

  5. Turn off the vacuum system.

Emptying the collection bottle:

  1. Touch the bottle change symbol to switch off the blips. The red LED

    changes from flashing to glowing).

  2. Vent the collection bottle by a) removing the tubing at the inlet of

    the pump, OR b) by unscrewing the valve at the top of the cap, making sure the o'ring doesn't come off

  3. Unscrew the lid and place it in the marked grey anti-spill tray

    (shelve above the system).

  4. Add 10% commercial bleach (e.g. 200 mL for 1.8 L waste), cover the

    bottle and attach a "PostIt" with the following information:

Decontamination in process

Discard after: MM/DD/YY at XX:YY am/pm

Your name

  1. Wait ≥ 60 minutes and discard according with the applicable

    hazardous waste disposal guidelines.

  2. Wash the bottle with detergent. Make sure of removing incrustations

    or other deposits.

  3. Let it dry and store it for future use.

  4. Replace with a clean bottle.

  5. Connect the hydrophobic filter to the pump OR b) make sure the screw

    valve is properly fastened.

  6. Turn on the system and test vaccum.

Filter sterilization and replacement

  • Filter should be replaced in case of contamination, and weak or no aspiration. Use only the original spare part.

  • Spare filters are located in the "Equipment Manual & Spare Parts" drawer next to the vacuum pump.

<!-- -->

  • Filters can be sterilized up to 20 times at 121^o^C and 2 bar absolute.

  • Use the plastic memory disc to keep track of the number of sterilizations.

  • Filters can be disinfected with alcohol but might become clogged. Allow the filter to dry completely and test prior to use.

NOTE: Reading of this Summary does not supersede the requirement of reading the complete SOP and the LAS's instructions manual. This Summary should only be used as a quick reference and only once you're familiarized with the full SOP.

Using HF aspiration system:

  1. Insert a 100-1000 μL disposable tip or a serological pipette on the aspiration tubing.

  2. Check if the available volume in the collection bottles is enough for your procedure.

  3. Turn on the vacuum pump.

  4. Start aspiring.

  5. Replace the tip as required.

  6. At the end of your procedure, continue to aspirate until there is no more liquid in the aspiration tubing.

  7. Purge with the appropriate cleaning or disinfectant agent (e.g. 10% bleach), and continue to aspirate until there is no more liquid in the tubing.

  8. Discard the tip, spray the tubing exterior with 70% ethanol and place it back in the stand.

  9. Turn off the vacuum system.

Emptying the collection bottle:

Bottle should be emptied when is at ~80% of its capacity

  1. Gently pull the lid(s) of the waste bottle(s) and place it in the marked grey anti-spill tray.

  2. Replace the waste bottle

  3. Inspect the aspiration controller tubing, for residue accumulation and/or deterioration and clean as appropriate.

  4. Turn on the system and test the vacuum.

Collection bottle decontamination:

  1. Add 10% (100 mL for each 900 mL of biohazardous waste) of commercially available bleach to the waste bottle and wait ≥ 60 minutes.

  2. Cover the bottle and attach a "Post It" with the following information:

"Decontamination in process

Discard after: MM/DD/YY at XX:YY am/pm

Your name "

  1. Discard waste according with the appropriate hazardous waste disposal guidelines.

  2. Wash the bottle with detergent. Make sure of removing incrustations or other deposits.

  3. Let it dry and store it until future use.

Filter sterilization and replacement

  • Filter should be replaced in case of contamination, and weak or no aspiration. Use only the original spare part.

  • Spare filters are located in the "Equipment Manual & Spare Parts" drawer next to the vacuum pump.

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  • Filters can be sterilized up to 20 times at 121^o^C and 2 bar absolute.

  • Use the plastic memory disc to keep track of the number of sterilizations.

  • Filters can be disinfected with alcohol but might become clogged. Allow the filter to dry completely and test prior to use.

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