How a laboratory refrigerator is different from a household refrigerator?

Laboratory refrigerator frankly speaking is no different from a domestic refrigerator. The difference lies in its usage and calibration requirements.

A household refrigerator is a facility used for preservation of edible products such as milk, yoghurt, fruits, vegetables, meats, cold drinks, drinking water, sweetmeats, etc. The facility is often taken for granted and one does not give it much thought after switching it ON and placing the food items inside. However, when used in the laboratory a refrigerator requires proper maintenance and care because of the nature of stored items.

The laboratory refrigerator is mainly used for preservation of:

• 分析之前的样本
• Temperature sensitive working standards

Guidelines on use of laboratory refrigerator

• No sample or reference material should be kept exposed but should be sealed in plastic pouches or standard vials. This is essential to prevent cross contamination due to proximity with other samples.
• Light-sensitive samples require storage in dark pouches or amber coloured vials.
• Labels should be properly affixed and covered with a transparent film so that they do not become illegible due to moisture condensation
• Store chemicals, standards, foods and pharmaceuticals in appropriate temperature zones commensurate with their storage requirements. Do not get tempted to place the sample at any space available as it will not serve the required purpose.
• It is advisable to label the cabinets and keep an updated record of sample locations which should be updated through user records. This will also save valuable time in locating the samples and standards when needed
• disconne后才打扫橱柜和货架cting the power at least on weekly basis

Calibration Requirements

Laboratory refrigerator unlike a household refrigerator requires daily calibration and maintenance of calibration records like any other laboratory instrument.

将校准的温度计放置在包含不同抽屉和冰箱中的硅油的烧杯中。门关闭，稳定15分钟后，记录了温度读数。橱柜中的温度应在2到8°C范围内和冰箱中的温度从-10到-20°C。

A properly maintained and calibrated refrigerator will help preserve the samples and standards for extended periods of time. Laboratory refrigerator should never be used for storage of edibles and drinks as accidental contamination from stored chemicals can lead to serious consequences.