The Importance of Hematology Glassware in Medical Laboratories
Likewise, presence of impurities in glass labware can distort the meniscus and can prevent one from getting the correct results out of the science lab experiment.
Keeping the laboratory glassware physically neat and clean, free of grease, and bacteria is therefore of the utmost importance.
Which Types of Hematology Glasswares are Available?
- Test tube:- They are used to heat and hold reagents to monitor chemical reactions.
- Test Tubes Racks:- Used to hold the test tube vertically. These are made of metal or plastic.
- Test Tube Holder:- Used during heating test tube.
- Funnel:- It is used during filtration.
Volumetric Glassware:
Includes cylinders, pipes, burette and volumetric bottles; is used to measure the precise volume of a liquid.
a. Dropping Bottle:
Allow the liquid to flow in a downward direction wisely.
Non-Volumetric Glassware:
1. Beaker:-
It is used to heat liquids and to prepare a reagent solution.
2.Petri Dishes:-
Used for bacterial aerobic culture.
3. Stirring Rod:-
It is used to dissolve solute in solution preparation.
Maintenance of Glassware
While working in the laboratory the technician must be familiar with the different types of glasses held in the laboratory and use them properly.
There are basically two types of glassware:
1. Borosilicate glass
2. Soda-lime glass
Borosilicate is resistant to heat and chemicals. It can also withstand mechanical pressure and will not break due to sudden temperature changes. While the soda-lime glass, which does not respond to mechanical shock and heat shock. Cheaper than borosilicate. It is easy to bend over the heat.
Handling of Glassware:
Laboratory glassware is cost-effective and management reduces the risk of personal injury.
Some common types of care and management are:
i. Never leave glassware when there is no helper in the heat, they will explode.
ii. Avoid scratching the glass in its daily use.
iii. Use heat-resistant glass while preparing an acid and alkaline solution.