PubMed · 15949141
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Ulrich Seydel. 2005. Editorial.. https://doi.org/10.1179/096805105x46600
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BACKGROUND: Applications of fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) are ideally performed under aseptic conditions so that isolated cells can be successfully cultured, transplanted, or processed for the isolation of protein and nucleic acids. However, modern "off-the shelf" flow cytometers are suboptimally designed for these purposes because nonsterile instrument hardware components directly contact sample-harboring fluids, compromising their sterility. METHODS: We have described the design and modular modification of a cytometer with a sterile and disposable FACS fluid handling system that meets requirements of high-speed FACS and good manufacturing practice. This system was tested for functionality and its ability to maintain a clean and sterile fluid environment. RESULTS: Our data have shown that this new fluidic subsystem completely replicated the intended function of the manufacturer's standard fluid handling system, and isolates the fluid from contaminants such as bacteria and fungus, endotoxins, mycoplasma, and helicobacter. CONCLUSIONS: FACS has emerged as a powerful tool used to study and manipulate stem cells. However, if stem cell discoveries are to be fully utilized in clinical transplant medicine, aseptic instrument configurations must be developed. For this purpose, we have designed a disposable sterile fluid handling system.
Exposure to endotoxin at sewage treatment plants is associated with an increased prevalence of work-related symptoms in sewage workers. Since cleaning activities are regarded as an important determinant of endotoxin exposure, workers' endotoxin exposure levels during different cleaning activities were compared in an experimental setting. Variables considered were water used (tap water, surface water or effluent), water pressure (low or high pressure, and a fire hose with the mouth open or obstructed), presence of mechanical ventilation and the distance between the worker and the object to be cleaned (concentration gradient). Experimental cleaning scenarios were defined, during which endotoxin exposure was measured with personal and stationary air sampling. Data were statistically analyzed with mixed effects models. The water used for cleaning appeared to have a large influence on endotoxin exposure, especially the use of effluent, which caused a factor 2.4 increase in exposure. Use of high pressure did not significantly add to the exposure. Use of a fire hose with fully opened mouth (spout opening) led to a 3-fold decrease in exposure when compared with a partially obstructed mouth. The presence of mechanical ventilation decreased endotoxin concentration in a room, provided that the capacity of the ventilation system was sufficient. The worker's distance to the object that was cleaned did not significantly influence exposure.
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