hand holding a syringe

How to Clean a Laboratory Syringe

syringesCleaning laboratory syringes helps prevent contamination and ensures accurate dosing. You should always adhere to the protocols of your institution and the manufacturer of your syringe. Specific cleaning requirements may vary based on the intended use of the syringe, its material composition , and the sample fluid introduced. Here is a typical protocol for cleaning a laboratory syringe.

Supplies for Cleaning a Syringe

  •  Mild detergent or soap like Alconox ®
  • Clean water (preferably distilled or sterile)
  • Clean, lint-free cloth or paper towels
  • Disposable container for used materials
  • Gloves (optional, but recommended)
  • Micro cleaning brushes (optional)

Procedure for Cleaning a Syringe

  1. Prepare your work surface. If you are handling hazardous materials, wear appropriate protective attire like gloves and goggles. Then, clean and organize your workspace, arranging all the supplies within easy reach.
  2. Empty the syringe. If any liquid remains in it, depress the plunger to evacuate the contents. Use proper protocols to discard the liquid.
  3. Disassemble your laboratory syringe by removing the plunger. Be sure to check with the manufacturer, however, as some syringes are calibrated and comprise a PTFE plunger tip. Full removal of the plunger may warp this tip.
  4. Rinse the laboratory syringe thoroughly with warm water, inside and outside, to remove any residual contents. If needed, reinstall the plunger and depress it to expel any remaining liquids. Repeat this step a few times.
  5. If your syringe has detachable parts like the plunger, remove them and clean them individually, if recommended by the manufacturer. Then, rinse all the syringe components thoroughly under running water.
  6. Prepare your cleaning solution according to the manufacturer’s directions. Typically, you can fill a container with warm water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Mix it gently to create a soapy solution.
  7. To clean the laboratory syringe, submerge it (and all its components) in the detergent solution. Be sure to verify the recommended duration of submersion as per the manufacturer. Use a soft brush or a lint-free cloth to gently clean the exterior and interior surfaces of the syringe barrel. Pay special attention to any areas where residue might be present.
    NOTE: If your syringe has markings on the barrel, be careful not to scrub them off.
    TIP: For small syringes like WPI’s NanoFil™ syringes, you can use MicroFil Flexible Needles to backfill the NanoFil™ syringe and rinse the inside of it.
  1. Clean all the components of the laboratory syringe, like the plunger, using the same detergent solution and cloth. Clean all surfaces thoroughly.
  2. Rinse all parts of the syringe and its components with clean, warm water to remove any soap residue.
  3. Gently pat the syringe and its components dry with a clean, lint-free cloth or paper towel. Ensure that no moisture remains, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
  4. When all the components of the syringe are completely dry, reassemble the syringe.
  5. Visually inspect the syringe and its components to ensure they are clean and free of residue.
  6. Store the clean syringe in a sterile environment, such as a sealed plastic bag or a dedicated storage container.

 

Properly cleaning your laboratory syringes ensures the longevity of the syringe and the safety of its use. If you have any questions about WPI syringes, give us a call at (866) 606-1974  or email us at [email protected].

 

 

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