Biotechnology Lab Storage
Chemical Storage
- Store and handle chemicals properly to protect both users and the quality of the reagents
- Handle chemicals under a fume hood and wear the appropriate gloves, goggles, or other PPE to avoid injuries
- Check with local government officials to understand and comply with any regulations or specific policies for chemical storage and disposal
- Use the ChemAssist app to link your chemical inventory to multiple devices and users
National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) Color Coding and Storage Conditions
Chemical Category | Label Color | Storage Conditions |
---|---|---|
General | Green | Chemical storeroom or cabinet |
Flammable | Red | Fire-resistant cabinet |
Oxidizers/corrosives | Yellow and white | Cabinets for bases, acids and peroxides |
Toxics | Blue | Locked cabinets |
VisitClassroom Chemicals and Solutions to learn more about chemical safety.
Sample Storage
- Organize and store student samples at appropriate temperatures
- Assign a specific refrigerator and freezer to each class to quickly locate samples and help prevent mix-ups
- Consider using multiple lab refrigerators and freezers or shelves to separate groups of samples
- Store protein samples alphabetically
- Divide (aliquot) samples into multiple smaller volumes before freezing to minimize repeat freeze/thaw cycles that can compromise sample quality
- Record the date of reagent receipt and first use
- Consider the specific temperature requirements of biotech reagents and other materials
- Discuss needs with your Fisher Science Education sales representative and make delivery arrangements as needed
Sample and Reagent Storage Guidelines*
Product or Sample | Storage Conditions | Temperature |
---|---|---|
Chemicals, most buffers | Ambient/room temperature | 22°C/71°F |
Protein, DNA and cell samples | Refrigerator |
|
| Freezer | -20°C/-4°F |
| Low-temperature freezer | -70°C/-94°F |
*These guidelines may not apply to all products. Always check product documentation for proper storage conditions.
References:
- Safe Storage Temperatures for Biological Materials, Brooks Life Sciences
The above information is the property of Ellyn Daugherty, founder of the San Mateo Biotechnology Career Pathway (SMBCP) and author of Biotechnology: Science for the New Millennium, Second Edition, 2017. For more information, visit bioteched.com.