Lab Hack: Dry gel masks upright with toast racks

Techniques: Electrophoresis, gel masks

Field(s): Biochemistry, Clinical Biochemistry

Submitted by: Steve who is doing Specific Protein Investigations in the Department of Clinical Biochemistry for the hospital system covering the Lothian and Edinburgh area of Scotland.

Lab description:  Diagnosing, monitoring and screening for disease in a hospital diagnostic lab including ongoing research to improve and increase the lab’s test repertoire.

Lab Hack:

We use toast racks to let our anti-sera masks dry after washing. They are used to spread anti-sera on various electrophoresis gels. It’s important they aren’t scratched and air-dried so these are ideal to keep them upright and separated.

Find an 8-slot chrome-plated (corrosion resistant) toaster rack on Amazon for about $14 or use the Local UK Supplier Steve purchased this model through.

Metal toaster racks should be fully autoclavable and resistant to cleaning with alcohol and bleach, helping with sterilization and reducing cross-contamination. 

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