Recently we have a condensate in our incubator. I'm worried how will it affect the cells, since it will definitely change the humidity levels in the chamber. Did anyone have this problem? I don't know whether to stop all my experiments before it is fixed (it could take several weeks)?
Thanks!
I would wait toll the incubator is fixed. There could also be a vhanve of getting fungal or yeast contamination dur to increased humidity.
You should clean your incubator before you start working again because not only will it change the humidity levels but will also lead to increased chances of contamination, Sometimes there is no problem with the incubator, so don't be worried, it happens sometimes. Just clean the incubator walls and shelves and swab with 70% alcohol.
Also, if the humidity levels change by a large margin, it could afftect the cellular process u r trying to study. U need to check whether the process u r studying is sensitive to changes in humidity.
Good luck!
I agree with Ms. Ghatak; however, where is the condensate? I have seen condensate on the doors of incubators rather frequently and it did not pose any serious problems. It is always best to keep the incubator as clean as possible, but remember the only true clean surface is inside your plates. Biota from the room can enter the incubator when you open the incubator door and most of the time contamination is due to the user not the incubator. However, dripping condensate will provide greater access to the biota. Additionally, the humidity in the chamber is generally controlled by an open plate of water at the base of the incubator, a bit of condensation should not drastically change the humidity when there is a pool of water at the bottom of the incubator.
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