The optimal laboratory chair for genetic engineering

Complex questions, conclusive answers

The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is used as the basis for medical diagnostics. In this procedure DNA is exponentially amplified in many duplication steps within a very short space of time. The PCR basically consists of a constantly repeated cycle of three reaction steps. As complex as the biological processes in genetic engineering are, the question of what qualities a suitable laboratory (and thus a laboratory chair) should have is not as difficult.

It is very simple: No contamination in the genetic engineering laboratory

The most important condition for the error-free implementation of a Polymerase Chain Reaction is unambiguous and easily understood: No contamination! As every type of DNA in the sample to be examined is reproduced, it is essential to prevent contact with undesired foreign material. Owing to exceptionally high sensitivity to external influences, there are special requirements in genetic engineering laboratories where PCR is performed. The individual steps take place in structurally separated areas: in a Pre-PCR area and a Post-PCR area. The materials and equipment used should also be separated. For example, a separate set of pipettes, filter tip boxes and disposable containers for each work area is obligatory. The route to the Pre-PCR area for equipment which was used for a Post-PCR process is blocked. In order to guarantee optimal cleanliness, all objects and surfaces used must always be in perfect and hygienic condition - before and after the work. The cleaning is effected using preferably a sodium hypochlorite decontamination solution.

Structure and hygiene - How the right laboratory chair reduces the risk

The polymerase chain reaction, or PCR for short, is considered the basis of medical diagnostics. In this process, DNA is exponentially multiplied within a very short time through many duplication steps. This process only works under contamination-free conditions. Since any type of DNA present in the sample under investigation will also be multiplied, it is essential to prevent contact with unwanted foreign material.

Due to this extremely high sensitivity to external influences, special conditions must prevail in genetic engineering laboratories where PCR is carried out. The individual work steps take place in structurally separated areas: in a pre-PCR and a post-PCR area. A spatial separation should also be applied to the materials and equipment used. A dedicated set of pipettes, filter tip boxes, and disposable containers for each work area is, for example, mandatory. The path into the pre-PCR area for equipment that has been used in a post-PCR process must be strictly blocked.

To guarantee optimal cleanliness, all used items and surfaces must always be in impeccable hygienic condition — both before and after work. Cleaning is carried out, wherever possible, with a sodium hypochlorite decontamination solution.

For the chairs used in genetic laboratories, this means that they must be designed in hygienic design and be easy to clean. Surfaces should be smooth and as closed as possible, and upholstery should be washable and resistant to disinfectants. The option of assigning the chair to a specific area through applied labeling is the icing on the cake. This can prevent the chair from being unintentionally moved back and forth between different areas and thus becoming a contamination risk.

Discover our highlight for the laboratory: the NEON