Laboratory Glassware Washers
As research becomes more and more precise, perfectly clean glassware is mandatory if repeatable results are to be obtained. Labs from water treatment plants doing trace metal analysis to university tissue culture labs, require machine validation that confirms compliance with standards of cleanliness. In response, manufacturers offer a range of lab glassware washers for the education, pharmaceutical, public health, forensic, water quality, specialty labs and industrial parts cleaning markets.

A manufacturer with over 45 years of lab glassware cleaning expertise offers a number of typical high-end products. These range from a basic undercounter model for high schools and colleges to increasingly sophisticated large capacity models with touch-control machine interface. Reliability is addressed by balancing wash time, water temperatures, water circulation, and specific detergents.

Design professionals should be aware of the special efficiency and sanitization performance features that are particularly applicable to lab glassware cleaning systems. These can include:

Machine validation. Precise sensors and leading componentry plus fault indicators and a test port are generally required for machine validation. Some manufacturers offer complete validation services including extensive IQ/OQ (Installation Qualification (IQ) documents that the correct instrument was received and installed properly; Operational Qualification (OQ) tests that the instrument meets specifications in the user environment).

Glassware protection. Delicate glassware, metal components and electronics are better protected if high-volume water pumps operate at low pressure.

Heated deionized (DI) final rinse. A high temperature DI final rinse is the best way of completely eliminating residue.

High water temperatures. Sensors that monitor wash temperatures for incoming and circulating water ensure consistent temperatures for higher temperature water sanitization.

HEPA filtered forced air drying. Specification of HEPA filtered forced air-drying can help meet sanitization requirements.

Reducing human error. To reduce human error, some larger models are fitted with a maintenance-free conductivity monitor and a spray arm monitoring system.

Ability to operate the machine while wearing gloves. Manual dial or touch screen controls allows operator to use the machine when wearing gloves.

Machine noise level. Some undercounter models allow conversation in the lab without distraction. Larger models operate at levels,, which are slightly less than those of casual conversation.

Overflow protection. A waterproof system, will protect a lab from overflow water by shutting off the incoming water supply and alerting the user.

Accurate detergent dispensing. An automated liquid dispenser provides high levels of accuracy and eliminates potential user error in the dosing process. The reservoir means less refilling between detergent container changes.

Steam condenser. Inclusion of a steam condenser eliminates the need for an external machine. This avoids potentially hazardous steam from venting into the lab during operation.

An example of a dental thermal disinfector that exceeds OSHA standards for microbial contamination reduction. Image courtesy of Miele Professional

Instrument Washer/Disinfector
Most non-surgical medical and dental practices appreciate a systematic approach to washing, rinsing, drying and disinfecting instruments that is efficient, saves time and meets or exceeds OSHA standards for microbial contamination. One manufacturer with 40 years of experience producing/manufacturing washer disinfectors in the dental field, offers a premium stainless steel, large capacity washer-disinfector with short program durations for processing instruments. It achieves thermal disinfection during the final rinse by the water temperature reaching and holding at 200°F for 10 minutes. The Dental Advisor Biomaterials Research Center in Ann Arbor, MI, measured its efficacy and found that it was effective in cleaning cassette and instrument surfaces after a single cycle. After using the washer-disinfector for eight months, nine dental consultants gave it a 91 percent approval rating. Other practitioners reported that it enhanced doctor productivity by 20 to 50 percent and allowed more chair time with patients. Efficiency features available in premium models include:

Saving time. A single cycle effective cleaning of instruments permits more chair time with patients.

Thermal disinfecting. Can reduce microbial contamination by 99.99 percent., High level thermal disinfection is achieved during the final rinse cycle when the temperature rises to and holds at a high temperature for a specified number of minutes.

Ample disinfecting machine capacity. Two or multi-level chamber can accommodate cassettes and a variety of hinged instruments.

Reduces sharps incidents. Minimizing instrument handling lowers the possibility of sharps incidents.

Premium commercial laundry systems have the capacity to program machines for different washing and drying needs. Image courtesy of Miele Professional