How can I decontaminate the incubator BB16 function line from fungial contamination and does the Heraeus company sell products for that?

Answer 1

We had the same problem, with the same incubator. Really tried a lot of decontaminating procedures. Here is what we ended up with. The formaldehyde fumigation was really our last choice but the only thing that worked: 1) remove the fan and shielding below it - and do not insert it again -never - it works excellent without it - and the fan really spread out the contamination and is a good hiding place for the bugs 2) Remove, clean and autoclave whatever can be removed from the incubator (shelf and etc.) 3) If the incubator has been cleaned and you still can smell fungus (apsergillus, most likely) it is everywhere in tubings and etc. And you need to fumigate it with formaldehyde (bomb it). There a special devices for this purpose, but second best is to spray it down with formalin in a final solution of 1% formaldehyde in H2O. Important: wear a gas mask and protect you self by all means. Let the outlet of the incubator go to a hood or etc. - to remove the air. Set the temperature to max (50°C) and let it incubate weekend over. Gently open the door. Smell if it is safe to continue. Spray down with ethanol. 4) Every 2 months, clean by ordinary methods, autoclave whatever you can, set temperature to max and spray with ethanol and let it incubate in ethanol for a couple of days before setting it back to 37°C. 5) Be gentle when you clean around the CO2 and temperature device, which normally is protected by the fan shielding. 5) Remember to change CO2 filter on the back Good luck