MicroscopesBlog: Expert's reviews, news, notes on Microscopes, Centrifuges, Lab Coats, Pipettes, Lab Safety, & more Lab Products!

You are probably asking yourself what is a Resin Code? It is that alpha code found on the bottom of most plastic bottles or containers that you have in your home, or that you use in the lab. In either case, they are the indicators for the type of plastic that an item is made from. In our home we use these codes to decide if the plastic is recyclable. In the lab the resin codes assist us in product selection for our specific application. Some of the most common resin codes are FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene), HDPE (High-density polyethylene), LDPE (Low-density polyethylene), PC (Polycarbonate), PE (Polyethylene), PP (Polypropylene), PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), and PUR (Polyurethane). When you work in the lab chemical compatibility is crucial, so it is imperative that we select the proper resin for our application. We need to know how the resin is going to react to our solution, what ever we are putting into the plastic bottle, funnel or running through the tubing. One of the top brands of resins/plastics is Brand Tech, Barnstead, Bel-Art, and I-Chem.

Did you know that the plastic called Polyethylene Terephthalate or (PET) used in the manufacturing of the plastic bottles that hold your mineral water contain a potentially carcinogenic element called diethylhydroxylamine better known as DEHA. The bottles are safe for a one time use only; if you must keep them longer it should be for no longer than a few days, a week max, and keep them away from heat as well. Repeated washing and rinsing can cause the plastic to break down and the carcinogens (cancer causing chemical agents) can leak into the water that you are drinking. It is much safer to invest in a water bottle that is made for multiple time usage. There are other forms of plastics that are better suited for multiple use beverage containers; such as PC better known as Polycarbonate, Which brings me to my next point, Bottled water is comprehensively regulated as a food product by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Plastic food and beverage containers, including polycarbonate plastic made with BPA, must meet or exceed all FDA requirements. FDA clears all food-contact plastics for their intended use based on migration and safety data. A very common polycarbonate manufacturer is, Nalge Nunc also known as Nalgene. Polycarbonate plastic has been the material of choice for food and beverage product containers for nearly 50 years because it is lightweight, highly shatter-resistant, and transparent. During that time, many studies have been conducted to assess the potential for trace levels of BPA to migrate from polycarbonate bottles into foods or beverages. The conclusions from those studies and comprehensive safety evaluations by government bodies worldwide are that polycarbonate bottles are safe for consumer use.

Color comes from the absorption of visible light. When light shines on or through a substance some of the light is absorbed. The light that is not absorbed is reflected and this is the color we see. If only red light is absorbed we see green. If only blue light is absorbed we see orange. If all the light is reflected the color is white. If all the light is absorbed the color is black. This is why we wear white on hot days, to reflect the sunlight and stay cooler. Colored solutions contain chemicals which absorb visible light. As explained in the blog "Beer's Law" (August 24th, 2009), the amount of light absorbed is directly proportional to the concentration of the chemical. A spectrophotometer is an instrument designed to measure absorbance of light for the whole visible spectrum very accurately.Some spectrophotometers also measure light absorption in the near ultraviolet (UV) and near infrared (IR). Spectrophotometers can be double beam where the beam of light is split and passed through a sample and reference at the same time. The reference signal is then subtracted from the sample signal. A single beam spectrophotometer passes the light beam through the reference and then the sample. Scanning spectrophotometers scan the absorbance wavelengths of light exiting from the sample producing an absorption spectrum. There are basic spectrophotometers such as the Thermo Spectronic 20 or the Unico S1000 for basic absorption measurements. There are mid level spectrophotometers such as the Genesys 10 and the Unico S2100. Advanced spectrophotomers include the Beckman Coulter DU 800 and the Unico 4802. Spectrophotometers are used in waste water analysis, life sciences, enzyme kinetic studies, and industrial laboratory applications as well as for many other analyses.

Questions you might ask regarding the 2009 strain of the N1H1 virus. Earlier this year named the Swine Flu. Is the 2009 strain of N1H1 flu contagious? CDC (Center for Disease Control) has determined that 2009 H1N1 virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. How does N1H1 spread? Spread of 2009 H1N1 virus is thought to occur in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something – such as a surface or object – with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in people? What are the symptoms? The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus. What can you do? You can take preventative measures by frequently washing your hands with soap, and following with hand sanitizer. A familiar had soap and sanitizer that can aid in the fight against microorganisms is Micronova the clear gel contains 60% ethyl alcohol to provide excellent antiseptic and sanitizing capabilities. The formulation helps to prevent transfer of bacterial agents, including pseudonomas, salmonella, and staphylococcus. Effective in reducing the incidence of infections. There is another alcohol based hand cleaner that I know of which is Steris a foamed Alcohol Hand Cleaner which Eliminates 100% of transient bacteria from hands after a 60 second application. You can also wear a face mask to protect against the N1H1 flu virus. You can elect to use one of the following masks approved by the CDC (Center for Disease Control) A critical cover mask made by AlphaProTech or an N95 Particulate Respirator made by Moldex. These are several ways to take the preventative approach to the N1H1 Virus of 2009.

There are several very common Laboratory glove materials, Neoprene, Rubber, Nitrile, and Latex. There are also materials made for protection from cuts such as SafeKnit Cut resistant gloves, made by Ansell Healthcare. Laboratory gloves can also be made for high temperature applications. The material is ZETEX a fabric which is superior to asbestos in flame resistance. Impervious to moisture and most acids, alkali's, and solvents (except hydrofluoric or hot phosphoric acids). ZETEX fabric has a high dielectric strength and is more durable than asbestos. Some safety protection laboratory glove features are the way the cuffs are manufactured. There are supported and unsupported glove features. Supported gloves have a knitted or woven cloth liner that adds structural strength. These gloves offer greater resistance to snags, abrasions, cuts, and punctures but do not have the tactility of unsupported gloves. Unsupported gloves are made from hand forms that are dipped directly into a glove compound with no supporting liner provide good tactility and dexterity. There are also five different cuff designs manufactured for specific safety needs. The first is a Pinked Cuff which has a zigzag appearance; catches drips in cuff. The Rolled Cuff acts as a barrier to keep chemicals from running off glove onto skin. The Knitwrist Cuff absorbs perspiration and adds temperature protection. The Gauntlet Cuff has flared design and extended length to protect wrist and forearm. The Straight Cuff protects skin from chemical run-off.

A Frock from the days of the 18th Century was a men's long coat that had wide full sleeves. Usually this coat was an unfitted garment worn for hunting. Dating as far back as the 16th Century, a Frock for women was referred to as a women's dress or gown, again often indicating unfitted. Today a Frock is also known to us as a lab coat that is loose fitting and made of a light weight material. These updated Frocks are usually made of a breathable material and often used in a variety of laboratory applications. For a Cleanroom environment, Frocks provide a high level of protection. They are made of a DuPont, Tyvek material that allows for an excellent barrier against dry particles, microorganisms, and non-hazardous liquids. The updated Frock is also valued for comfortability. They are limited use Frocks, which are in most cases chemically and biologically inert, low linting and static free until laundered. Some of the most popular brands of Frocks and Lab coats are DuPont, Kimberly Clark, Cardinal Health, White Swan, and Alpha Pro Tech