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Microwave

⚠️ Training Required Before Use ⚠️

General Safety Rules

  • Use of the microwave is restricted to trained personnel.
  • Wear thermal gloves when handling hot containers.
  • Inspect the microwave before each use; do not use if damaged or dirty.
  • Do not operate the microwave while empty.
  • Use only microwave-safe containers; avoid metal or sealed containers.
  • Loosen caps or lids before heating to prevent pressure buildup.
  • Avoid heating flammable or volatile chemicals.
  • Clean spills promptly to prevent contamination and damage.
  • Report any malfunctions to the supervisor immediately.

Common Use Cases

Re-melting Solidified LB Agar

  1. Loosen the bottle’s lid by about a quarter turn.
  2. Heat in short 30–60 second bursts, resting between intervals, until melted.
  3. Monitor closely as it nears melting and stop heating once boiling begins.
  4. Allow to cool to 55°C before adding antibiotics and pouring plates.

Preparing Agarose for DNA Gels

  1. Weigh 5 g agarose powder into a 500 mL glass bottle.
  2. Add approximately 350 mL of house distilled water.
  3. Cap the bottle and shake to disperse the agarose.
  4. Loosen the cap by about a quarter turn.
  5. Heat at full power in 30–60 second bursts.
  6. After each interval, remove the bottle and swirl to mix.
  7. Repeat until the agarose fully dissolves and the solution just starts to boil.
  8. Allow to cool until boiling subsides.
  9. Add 80 mL of 50x TAE.
  10. Fill with distilled water to the bottle’s line.
  11. Proceed with pouring gels.

Preventing Hard-to-Clean Gels

  • Dilute the remnant solution with water before allowing to cool.
  • Don't leave unattended and allow to boil over.
  • Swirl occassionally during heating to avoid superheating.
  • Use heating intervals, not one continuous heating.

Good Practices

  • Wear thermal gloves when handling hot items.
  • Clean spills immediately.
  • Report any issues promptly.

Quiz

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