Faculty and Staff

How to Disinfect Tissue Culture Media in Vacuum Flasks

Last updated August 31, 2009 3:15:54 PM PDT
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Use this standard operating procedure for disinfecting tissue culture media as required by San Diego County.

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1. Prepare the primary vacuum flask with bleach.

Add bleach to the primary vacuum flask to equal 10% of the maximum collection volume. Maximum collection volume should be no more than two-thirds full.

2. Label the flask.

Label the flask as follows: "Tissue culture media disinfected with bleach 9:1"

3. Protect the vacuum system with a filter.

Insert an in-line hydrophobic HEPA filter before the vacuum outlet.
Whatman HEPA-VENT, in-line HEPA filters
In-line HEPA filters

4. Add the tissue culture media to be disinfected.

  • Aspirate tissue culture media into bleach in the flask to make a final concentration of 10% bleach solution (9 parts tissue culture media:1 part straight bleach).
  • After reaching maximum volume, allow a minimum 30-minute contact time.
  • Empty the flask into the laboratory sink.

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For more information, contact EH&S Biosafety, (858) 534-5366.

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