Clinical Chemistry 1

LECTURE

MODULE 1 UNIT 2: CLINICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS AND SUPPLIES

I. Types of Glassware  Characteristics of alumino silicate glass include:

-Higher maximum operating temperature than borosilicate
A. Borosilcate glass
main glass-forming constituent: with silica and boron trioxide -Particularly suitable for use as a gauge glass
-High silica content
a. Thermal properties -Comparable to fused quartz in its heat resistance, chemical
 ↓ thermal expansion stability, and electrical characteristics
 ↓ thermal stresses under a given temperature gradient -Strengthened chemically rather than thermally
 "Strain Point” – maximum safe operating temperature of -Used for high-precision analytical work
borosilicate glassware. -Radiation-resistant and can also be used for optical reflectors
 Examples: and mirrors
o Pyrex (Corning Glass Works, Corning, NY)
o Kimax (Kimble Glass Co., Vineland, NJ) C. Vycor glass
↓ RESISTANCE ↑ RESISTANCE  main glass-forming constituent: 96% silica
 Minute scratching of  higher temperature  has several exceptional properties
glass surface gradients  similar to fused quartz in its thermal properties
 When heated above  sudden temperature  may be used at much higher temperatures than borosilicate
500 C the glass may changes glass
acquire permanent  thermal shocks  This glassware can be used continuously at 9000C, and
stresses on cooling intermittently to 12000C.
 It is utilized for high thermal, drastic heat shock and extreme
b. Chemical properties chemical treatment with acids (except hydrofluoric) and dilute
 highly resistant to: alkali.
 ↑ chemical resistance
D. Soda-lime glass
 is shown below.
 known for its excellent chemical and physical properties
↓ RESISTANCE ↑ RESISTANCE
 products that resist the impact of chemical medium and
 Minute scratching of  water
temperature differences momentarily and limitedly are mostly
glass surface  neutral and acid solutions
manufactured of the soda-lime glass
 When heated above  concentrated acids their
 lower energy demand and longer working times make the soda-
500 C the glass may mixtures
lime glass the most inexpensive type of glass to manufacture
acquire permanent  chlorine
laboratory glassware
stresses on cooling  bromine
 can be recycled easily
 iodine
 used to make pipettes
 organic matters E. Low actinic glass
 hydrofluoric acid  resists extended period of  is tinted dark brown or amber
 very hot phosphoric reaction  can be created from any material
acid  resists temperatures above  named after the colour
 alkaline solutions 100’C  done to protect light-sensitive chemical compounds from
 exceeds that of most metals getting altered by infrared radiation, visible light and ultraviolet
and other materials radiation
 withstand repeated dry and  are of high thermal resistance with a red color
wet sterilization without  density of the red color is adjusted to permit adequate visibility
surface deterioration and of contents yet give maximum protection for light sensitive
subsequent contamination materials such as bilirubin standards
 Resistance to attack of
various chemicals F. Disposable Glassware
 Disposable glassware are made to be used and discarded, and
c. Optical properties no cleaning is necessary either before or after use in most
Laboratory glassware made from borosilicate glass show no cases.
noticeable absorption in the visible region of the spectrum. It  This type of glass is used to manufacture many laboratory
appears consequently clear and colourless. supplies, including test tubes of all sizes, pipettes, slides, and
specimen containers
B. Alumina-Silicate Glass
main glass-forming constituent: aluminum oxide
 It is similar to borosilicate glass but it has:
o greater chemical durability
o can withstand higher operating temperatures
o strengthened chemically rather thermally

CAMACHO, ARRIANE CYREL A. | BSMLS 2

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Clinical Chemistry 1
LECTURE

MODULE 1 UNIT 2: CLINICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS AND SUPPLIES

II. Types of Plasticware HighDensity Polyethylene

 Plasticware is beginning to replace glassware in the laboratory Polyethylene
setting. Temperature 80 130
 The unique high resistance to corrosion and breakage, as well Limit (0C)
as varying flexibility, has made plasticware most appealing. Transparenc Translucent Opaque
 Relatively inexpensive, it allows most items to be completely y
disposable after each use. Autoclavable No With caution
 Beakers, flasks, test tubes, petri dishes, pipettes, and graduated Flexibility Excellent Rigid
cylinders are typically made of glass, but plastic versions are Usage All-purpose reagent bottles, Plastic test
available and have the advantage of being more durable and Sample tube rack, Carboys, Droppers, Specimen
transport containers, reagent bottles
less expensive.
Chemical  They have excellent chemical
 Examples of plasticware in the lab include wash bottles, scoops,
resistance resistance to most substances, with
and pipette tips.
the exception of aldehydes, amines,
 The major types of resins frequently used in the clinical ethers, hydrocarbons, and essential
chemistry laboratory are: oils.
1. Polystyrene  For CPE, exceptions would include
2. Polyethylene lubricating oils and silicones.
3. Polypropylene  The usage of any of the above-named
4. Tygon chemical groups should be limited to
5. Teflon 24 hours at room temperature
6. Polycarbonate  Polypropylene Has the same chemical
7. Polyvinyl chloride resist
 The individual manufacturer is the best source of information
concerning the proper use and limitations of any plastic
material.

ADVANTAGES
a. Less expensive and
more durable than
glassware
b. Unbreakable
c. Preferred for certain
analyses in which glass
can be damaged by
chemicals used in the
testing. (E.g. Generally,
alkali solutions must be
stored in plastic)
DISADVANTAGES
a. Leaching of surface-bound
constituents into solutions
b. Permeability to water vapour
c. Some evaporation through
breathing of the plastic
d. Absorption of dyes, stains,
or proteins
e. Cannot be used for HPLC
(Solvents readly attack
plasticware)

A. Borosilcate

1. Polysterene
Temperature 70
Limit (0C)
Transparenc Clear
y
Autoclavable No
Flexibility Rigid
Usage Disposable plasticware
Sample
Chemical  Useful with water and aqueous salt
resistance solutions.
 It is recommended for use with acids,
aldehydes, ketones, ethers,
hydrocarbons, or essential oils.
 Alcohols and bases can be used, but
storage beyond 24 hours is
discouraged.
2. Polyethylene
a. Conventional b. Linear (LPE)/
(CPE) / Low-Density

CAMACHO, ARRIANE CYREL A. | BSMLS 2

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