Date: Wed, 27 Jul 2011 13:02:06 -0700
Reply-To: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
Sender: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
From: Eric Clark <erclark**At_Symbol_Here**PH.LACOUNTY.GOV>
Subject: Re: PCR benchtop ventilation?
In-Reply-To: <B9C496515E843746B60EA72DA38D8CA8356169A430**At_Symbol_Here**MBXA.exchange.cornell.edu>

Ralph,
At the LA County Public Health Lab there are a few PCR arrays, including Light Cycler, Smart Cycler, ABI 7500, and Luminex.  All were installed by professional field engineers, and other than internal fans to transfer heat, there is no need for ventilation.  
Eric
 
Eric Clark, MS, CCHO, CHMM
Safety & Compliance Officer
Los Angeles County Public Health Laboratory   

>>> On 7/27/2011 at 10:38 AM, in message <B9C496515E843746B 60EA72DA38D8CA8356169A430**At_Symbol_Here**MBXA.exchange.cornell.edu>, Ralph B Stuart <rstuart**At_Symbol_Here**CORNELL.EDU> wrote:

I was touring some labs yesterday and noticed a variety of small benchtop machines that were designed to do Polymerase Chain Reaction chemistry. Some of the references I reviewed on this technique listed a variety of hazardous chemicals associated with this process (phenol, chloroform, etc.), but they are somewhat dated and I wonder if these machines use these chemicals.

The immediate question is what level of ventilation these devices need. From what I can see in the instrument manuals I downloaded, the ventilation needs seem to be limited to temperature control considerations, but I thought I would check with the DCHAS list to see if anyone has experience with chemical exhausts from these systems.

Thanks for any help with this question.

- Ralph


Ralph Stuart CIH
Laboratory Ventilation Specialist
rstuart**At_Symbol_Here**cornell.edu

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