Gayle wrote: "I have a problem with this, if you can clean a cryostat with a
vacuum
(biohazardous tissues, etc) then how do you clean the vacuum??"

Gayle, The one cryostat vacuum I've seen (Instrumedics Cryovac) has a HEPA
filter in the hose. No contaminating material ever gets to the vacuum
itself.

Tim Morken, BA, EMT(MSA), HTL(ASCP)
Infectious Disease Pathology Activity
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Ms-G32
1600 Clifton Road
Atlanta, GA 30333
USA

PH: 404-639-3964
FAX: 404-639-3043

email: tim9@cdc.gov





-----Original Message-----
From: Gayle Callis [mailto:uvsgc@msu.oscs.montana.edu]
Sent: Friday, October 20, 2000 3:05 AM
To: histonet@pathology.swmed.edu
Subject: Vacuum cleaners for cryostats, a dilemma


I have a problem with this, if you can clean a cryostat with a vacuum
(biohazardous tissues, etc) then how do you clean the vacuum?? The latter
would present the same problems UNLESS they are manufactured in such a way
they can be disinfected intact or some other way that does not overly
expose workers to the nasties.  Seems to be a trade off of one problem with
another to deal with.  

In short, I prefer to clean a cryostat by hand (with proper safety
equipment) after use, daily or whatever is needed. 


Gayle Callis
Veterinary Molecular Biology
Montana State University
Bozeman MT 59717-3610
406 994-4705
406 994-4303