New Line of PCR Workstations Provide Contamination-Free Zones on the Bench

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 26 Aug 2013

Image: Mystaire Misonix MY-PCR Prep Stations are compact laminar flow enclosures that reduce the risk of sample contamination while performing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) experiments (Photo courtesy of Mystaire Misonix).

Image: My-PCR Workstation - how it works: Laboratory air is pulled into MY-PCR workstation at “A” and then forced through the HEPA filter at “B.” Smooth and even Class 100 laminar flow air enters the work area at “C” and then exits the workstation at “D” (Photo courtesy of Mystaire Misonix).

A timely new product for biotech laboratories provides molecular biology investigators with a “personal cleanroom” for use while performing PCR preparations prior to the amplification of DNA and RNA.

Products in the new line of MY‑PCR Prep Stations manufactured by Mystaire Misonix (Creedmoor, NC, USA) establish bench-top personal clean zones that enable the investigator to amplify RNA and DNA while minimizing the potential for background from airborne contaminants.

The workstations, which are available in 61 cm and 81 cm-wide models, are the equivalent of Class 100 vertical laminar flow hoods with timed UV light.

Airborne contaminants are prevented from entering into the work zone through constant positive pressure HEPA filtered air. Each MY-PCR Prep Station is equipped with a built-in 254 nanometer shortwave lamp to effectively decontaminate the work area between amplifications. Safety interlocks are included on all PCR Prep Stations to prevent operator exposure to potentially harmful UV radiation.

The main chamber of MY-PCR Prep is constructed from a continuous piece of polycarbonate to prevent UV light from escaping the chamber during irradiation. Operator access is gained through the folding front polycarbonate sash, overlapped to eliminate gaps in the chamber during operation of the UV light. The work surface is white polypropylene that facilitates cleaning and disinfection.

The manufacturer reminds MY-PCR operators that the workstations are not biological safety cabinets. They are designed to provide process protection only from potential airborne contaminants found in the laboratory space.

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