Sterile Containers: Contamination-Free Storage and Transport in Labs

Keeping your lab equipment sterile makes your samples stay accurate and uncontaminated. And when you store and move them around, having the right containers makes all the difference in keeping them safe from contamination.

If you're dealing with biological specimens, chemical reagents, or environmental tests, a sterile lab device is your first line of defence for reliable results. In this article, we’ll discuss why sterility matters, talk through the different types of sterile vessels, and share some best practices to help you keep your lab free from contamination.

Why Sterility Is a Priority in Any Lab

Contaminated samples can lead to inaccurate results, compromising your experiments and even rendering months of work useless. Maintaining sterility means avoiding unwanted microorganisms or particles, which can cause variations that throw off your findings.

In fields such as microbiology, biochemistry, and clinical research, sanitation prevents contamination. For instance, in microbiology, you may be studying the growth of bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms. Contaminants in your sample would interfere with growth patterns and skew your results. The same goes for biochemistry, where even slight impurities in your probes can affect chemical reactions or compound identification.

With reliable, sterile laboratory containers, you can focus on your experiments without worrying about external factors affecting the outcome.

Common Sterile Containers Used in Labs

Selecting the right sterile holders depends on the type of sample you’re handling. Different types serve unique purposes, so choose the one that suits your specific lab research. A professional lab equipment provider will surely have the following items, so you have a complete set of tools for your lab.

Below is an overview of these common jar types used in labs, along with their specific applications.

  • Urine Sample Bottles (Polypropylene): These screw cap jars are widely used in clinics for collecting urine samples. Their polypropylene material is durable and prevents interaction with the sample to protect sample integrity.
  • Sample Jars Sterilised Snap Cap (Polypropylene): These items are suitable for a range of specimen collection needs. Their snap cap closures offer a secure seal ideal for short-term storage and the transport of specimens like blood or tissue samples.
  • Wash Bottles with Fixed Straw (LDPE): Made of low-density polyethylene or LDPE, these wash bottles are useful for rinsing various laboratory equipment. The fixed straw helps to control the dispensing, and the materials are designed to minimise contamination risk when used for sterile rinsing tasks.
  • Reagent Bottles with Narrow Mouth (HDPE): High-density polyethylene or HDPE bottles are perfect for storing and transporting chemical reagents. Their narrow mouths help prevent spills and limit exposure to contaminants, and their material resists corrosion from harsh chemicals.
  • Glass Beakers Kit: These beakers are needed for heating, mixing, or transferring liquids. Although not always suitable for transport, they’re important in labs where heat and chemical resistance are necessary.
  • Nessler Cylinders (Borosilicate Glass): Used mainly in spectrophotometry and colorimetry, these borosilicate glass cylinders are perfect for assessing liquids’ optical properties. The glass material is highly resistant to thermal shock and chemical exposure, so samples remain uncontaminated during testing.
  • Jointed Round Bottom Boiling Flasks: Ideal for distillation and other chemical reactions, these glass flasks are built to withstand high temperatures. Their jointed connections secure fittings with other lab apparatuses, which reduce contamination risk when transferring samples between flasks.

Lab vessels provide flexibility, so you can store, transport, and handle all sorts of samples effectively. If you need to preserve a specimen for analysis or safely transport chemicals, selecting the correct one for each task is your priority.

sterile containers

Best Practices for Using Sterile Containers

Using sterile bottles is all about proper handling and maintenance. After all, keeping them contamination-free should be your foremost objective to achieve reliable results. For instance, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners has released guidelines for storing sterilised reusable medical devices to aid in infection prevention and control. Indeed, these regulations are widely observed in Australian labs.

Here are the best practices to keep in mind when cleaning and sanitsing research equipment.

1. Proper Handling Techniques

Think of your sterile vessels as the front-runners of your lab. They need careful handling. Always use clean gloves when touching them to avoid introducing any contaminants. And don’t forget to sanitise your workspace before you start.

When you’ve just poured a sample into it, and now you need to put on the lid, it’s tempting to just set the lid down on the bench. But that surface could carry dust, bacteria, or other contaminants. Instead, try holding the lid so that it stays clean until you’re ready to secure it.

For these lab items that you use more than once, thorough cleaning is a must. Let's say you're using a glass beaker for multiple chemical solutions throughout the day. Between each use, wash it according to your lab’s cleaning protocols, and consider sterilising it if it’s coming into contact with sensitive samples. This keeps each use as clean as the last.

2. Sterilisation Methods

Keeping them clean is one thing, but when you need absolute sterility, it’s time to look at other thorough methods. Autoclaving is a go-to method for many labs, especially for devices like borosilicate glass beakers and jars that can handle high temperatures. Just pop them into the autoclave, and the intense heat and steam will kill any lingering microorganisms.

But what about the ones that can’t withstand high heat? For those, chemical sterilisation works. Labware made from materials like plastic may not be heat-safe, but you can immerse them in sterilising solutions or use surface wipes designed for lab equipment. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions on which methods are safe for each type.

3. Storage Recommendations

Storing them properly is the next step. Find a clean, dry area away from direct sunlight and places where dust might settle. If your facility has a designated storage cabinet for these supplies, that’s ideal. Make sure each item has its lid or cap on securely. This keeps the interior safe from contaminants.

If you’re storing specimen jars, you don’t want them exposed to extreme heat or cold either, as temperature fluctuations can affect both these supplies and the samples they hold. And for glass jars, store them carefully to prevent any accidental breakage. A little extra care in storage means they are ready for use whenever you need them, contamination-free.

Follow these steps, and you’re setting yourself up for success with reliable lab apparatus. Proper handling, sterilisation, and storage all work together to maintain the integrity of your lab results.

Transporting Samples in Sterile Bottles

Safely transporting samples matters, especially when they’re sensitive or perishable. You want to make sure that everything arrives just as you need it, without any contamination or damage along the way.

For certain substances, like biological specimens or temperature-sensitive chemicals, taking extra steps to protect them during transport can make all the difference in keeping them viable and accurate for testing.

Here are a few tips to ensure that your tests remain sterile and uncontaminated during transport.

1. Packaging and Labelling Guidelines

Clearly label each of them to avoid mix-ups, and secure them with the appropriate cap or other closure to prevent leaks. Use secondary items, such as insulated bags or boxes, to keep them secure and stable during transit.

2. Temperature Control Considerations

Some samples, like biological specimens, require temperature regulation to remain viable. Use insulated ones with ice packs or dry ice. Ensure that they can handle the temperature requirements and avoid overexposure.

3. Protocols for Minimising Contamination

Minimise handling them during transport, and avoid exposing them to environments with potential contaminants, such as warm or humid areas. Upon arrival, place them in a clean storage area and handle them with sanitised equipment.

Following these steps will not only maintain the sterility of your samples but also protect them from environmental factors that could compromise their integrity.

Efficient Labs Mean Efficient Sterilisation and Transport

Sterile containers are indispensable in laboratories that make accurate results through contamination-free storage and transport. From selecting the right equipment to following best practices, every step you take in handling, sterilising, and transporting helps to preserve sample integrity and safety.

Investing in high-quality, sterile laboratory equipment designed for your specific needs will keep your facility running smoothly, and that your research yields reliable and repeatable results. Remember, it’s not just about choosing any item available but choosing the right one for the job.

For all your lab item needs, from a specimen container to a range of plastic containers, contact a lab equipment provider who understands the importance of contamination-free storage and transport.

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