GUIDELINES FOR THE USE OF THE CELL CULTURE CORE FACILITY

DTS BUILDING

 September 2002 

The following are a list of general regulations that should be followed seriously. Regulations for special procedures will be dealt with whenever needed with Dr. Fadia Homaidan (ext. 4892).. 

1.                  All users have to be thoroughly trained by PI’s or by other trained professionals. A detailed description of aseptic techniques will be distributed to new users. Any concerns on any of the procedures followed should be addressed to Dr. Homaidan.

2.                  All users have to sign for the use of the hood as close to the time as possible. If the user does not show up (to use the hood or to cancel) 20 minutes after the signed time, other researchers can use the hood. It is left to the discretion of the latter group to call the signed user and alert him/her to the fact that they intend to use the hood.

3.                  All users have to keep the hood and the pipettes and the pipette-aids clean. Each user is responsible for discarding any material collected in the trap. The trap should be cleaned and Clorox added to it as instructed. All waste is to be collected in plastic bag placed next to the hood. Please make sure the bag is not overflowing with waste! Change the bag if it is necessary and leave the tied full bag next to the hood to be collected by the custodians.

4.                  None of the users are allowed to handle other people’s cells without permission.

5.                  Gloves should be used at least when human cell lines are handled.

6.                  All cells, flasks, plates etc... to be discarded should be treated with diluted Clorox first.

7.                  The CO₂ incubators have to be monitored on regular basis. Please report any irregularity in the incubators to Dr. Homaidan as soon as you find them.

8.                  UV light should be turned off while working but should be turned on again after the hood is cleaned. Please do not forget to draw the black cover over the entire hood.

9.                  The hood in Room 3-09 is only used for cell lines culture. Primary cultures are carried out in the 4^th floor cell culture facility. Please check with the Dr. Ali Bazarbachi (or staff) for access to the facility. Same regulations are to be followed.

10.              If any of the equipment is not working, please report the problem immediately to Dr. Homaidan (or contact Dr. Sabra’s office at 4910/1 to leave a message).

11.              Be considerate of those who will be using the facility after you.

12.              No social gatherings are allowed in the cell culture room.           

13.              No mouth pipetting, food, drink or smoking is allowed in the laboratory.