The cleaning and decontamination concentrate solutions sold by BD are very expensive, considering that we still have to buy the replacement kit with filters, inline filter, and rubber tubbings. I figured that the cleaning solution could be made of 0.2 microns filtered neutral extran, but the final dilution should be important. Also, the decontamination could be filtered bleach, but again the right concentration is important. Our experience with the Accuri C6 has shown that it is not very robust so I prefer not to test directly if someone can offer some advise.
As for the replacement kit, the entrance filters and probably inline filters can be bought from other sellers, as those are standards (but what is the mesh of the inline filter? also 0.2 microns?). But I think there is no alternative for the rubber tubbings of the peristaltic pump.
Best,
According to the MSD sheet, the Decontamination Concentrate Solution is made of sodium hypochlorite 5.25%. This solution needs to be diluted 10 times (20 mL in 180 mL of water). Using 20 mL of commercial bleach (generally 4 to 6.25% sodium hypochlorite) diluted in 180 mL of water and then 0.2 µm-filtered should work just fine.
Regards,
Claude
According to the MSD sheet, the Decontamination Concentrate Solution is made of sodium hypochlorite 5.25%. This solution needs to be diluted 10 times (20 mL in 180 mL of water). Using 20 mL of commercial bleach (generally 4 to 6.25% sodium hypochlorite) diluted in 180 mL of water and then 0.2 µm-filtered should work just fine.
Regards,
Claude
Thank you Claude, good suggestion to use the MSD sheet. The cleaning solution is acidic, cytric acid + glycollic acid, but must also have some surfactant because it forms bubbles when mixed.
Hi Alexandre and Claude.
BD strongly suggests that customers follow the cleaning and maintenance procedures described in their instruments Manual or User Guide and stick to the maintenance solutions and kits made available by the company when applicable (such as for the BD Accuri C6). This is the only way to ensure that the instrument will remain performing accordingly to its specifications. The use of alternative non-validated solutions, components or procedures may lead to unpredictable consequences that can permanently compromise the instrument.
As an example, in the Accuri C6 manual, there is a section entitled Approved Reagents (under the Safety Precautions chapter). There you'll find a note with the following message "Do not use household bleach as a decontamination solution. It contains fluorescent whitening agents that may interfere with fluorescence detection".
We always suggest you to contact BD's local representatives and Technical Customer Services whenever you need. In your case, Alexandre, please call 0800-7717157. It is a toll free line for customers in Brazil through which you can talk to BD's Service and Application Support teams.
Hope this helps.
Hello Rodrigo,
I understand that the chemicals provided by BD would be the ideal option, but we are facing budget difficulties and have to look for alternatives. But thank you for your considerations, certainly we don't want to compromise the system quality and will not simply test with our equipment. However, there is a great number of researches that have years of experience with not only maintaining but also developing flow cytometers. We hope to get input from their experience.
I understand, Alexandre. Hope you get the inputs you're looking for. Don't hesitate to get in touch with BD though if you wish to double check any information. Best regards.
Alexandre
I've noticed that the MSDS for the original Accuri cleaning solution concentrate matches that of Citrajet, which is manufactured by Alconox for low suds applications such as industrial dishwashers and laboratory equipment...
Interesting Joy, thank you. I no longer work with the instrument but I will forward this information to my colleagues. All the best,
You can get the tubing from cole palmer. it's masterfex brand Pharmed type. You'll want to confirm the sizes but I think it's 1/8 od and 1/16 ID, cut to length and reuse the fittings. be sure they are tight on the adapter, you don't want that shit leaking out into your pump.
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