A bacterium-incinerator is a device used in microbiology laboratories to sterilize instruments, consisting of a ceramic tube surrounded by metal and with a hollow portion in the center. When ignited, the bacti-incinerator can reach temperatures around 800 degrees Celsius, enough to incinerate any organic material in an inoculation roast.

This equipment is specially designed to sterilize metal inoculation handles and needles without using an open flame. Using infrared heat inside a ceramic tube, the device protects lab professionals from dangerous gases, flames and splashes. Once the optimal sterilization temperature is reached, the loop or needle is sterilized within 5-7 seconds. Among its main features we find that it has a ceramic heating tube capable of reaching high temperatures quickly, it is a long life and safe equipment to operate, and the angle of the heating tube can be adjusted to adapt different bench positions and user taste.

Why is a bacterium-incinerator necessary?

Bacteria in microbiology laboratories are commonly transferred using an inoculation loop. This instrument consists of a wire with a small loop at one end and a handle at the other, and because it is made of metal, it can be used repeatedly and then resterilized in a flame or in a bacti-incinerator. However, open flame is potentially dangerous, whereas sterilization by bacterium-incinerator is considered relatively safe.

In such laboratories, contamination of sterile materials, bacteria, and fungal spores normally present throughout the surrounding environment should be avoided. Aseptic technique such as that offered by the use of the bacterium-incinerator is required to avoid contamination, as well as being constantly attentive to every action that is carried out in the microbiology laboratory.

How do you use a bacterium incinerator?

Among the main uses that a bacterium-incinerator has in a microbiology laboratory we find the following:

• Sterilizing an inoculation loop: To sterilize an inoculation loop, place it in the bucket (opening) of the incinerator for a few seconds, until the portion of the inoculation loop being sterilized glows red. Once the loop of the handle is removed from the incinerator, it almost instantly stops shining, and within about 20 seconds, it will be cool enough to use.
• Fixation of bacterial smears: A bacterial specimen on a slide sheet is called a smear. It is prepared using a bacterial sample obtained with an inoculation loop which is then mixed with water or physiological saline on the surface of the slide sheet. The bacteria are very small and essentially colorless, so the bacterial smear must eventually be colored to be visible when viewed through a microscope. To prevent damage to the smear during staining, the smear is fixed to the heat using the open flame of a Bunsen burner or, preferably, a sliding platform placed on top of a bacterium incinerator. By placing the bacterial smear sheet on the hot sliding platform for several minutes, the bacteria are fixed so that they are not removed during staining.

Importance of using a bacterium incinerator

Due to new safety regulations, bacteria-incinerators have increasingly replaced Bunsen burners that have long been essential in microbiology laboratories. In fact, institutions like the CDC and the WHO recommend that you use bacterium incinerators in your labs instead of Bunsen burners.

This is because microorganisms taken from liquids cause aerosol formation when burned in Bunsen burners. While in a bacti-incinerator the process is carried out in quartz tube in the formation of aerosol is completely inhibited. Another advantage is that, unlike Bunsen lighters, when used in a safety cab, this equipment prevents deterioration of the cabin filter system and the airflow of the cabin is not affected.

What does Kalstein offer you?

Kalstein is a manufacturer of medical and laboratory equipment of the highest quality and the best technology at the best PRICES in the market, so you can make your PURCHASE confidently with us, knowing that you have the service and advice of a company specialized in the field and committed to provide you with safe, economical and effective options to perform your functions in the right way.

This time we present our bacti-cinerator YR053252, this sterilizing equipment using infrared heat produced by a central ceramic element. The ceramic element does not contain asbestos and ensures maximum sterility without splashing on the work surface. Complete sterilization occurs within 5-7 seconds at the optimal sterilization temperature of 1500ºF (815.6ºC). The small size makes the bacti-cinerator sterilizer an ideal instrument for anaerobic and aerobic chambers alike. Several easy-to-use accessories are also available for the bacti-cinerator sterilizer.

For more information we invite you to take a look at: HERE