How to prevent contamination in cell culture?
During times of high concentrations of airborne particulates, such as in the spring during pollen season and during construction when dust and dirt is created, there is a statistically higher chance of having contamination due to airborne spores and other microorganisms associated with the dust and the airborne particulates. I thought it might be helpful for us to alert our users of this potential and make some recommendations about what can be done to try to reduce the risk. 1. Have the air flow rate in your hood(s) checked. As HEPA filters load over time, the pressure drop will increase and the flow rate may be reduced to levels below the rate required for the stability of the laminar flow. If this happens, there is a higher likelihood that air turbulence within the cabinet will occur during a manipulation that could lead to contamination from an airborne source. The air flow rate should not be less than 80-85 feet per minute. UNC Health and Safety has an anemometer and can check thi
