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Cleaning Instructions

Step-by-step cleaning and decontamination SOPs, including daily, deep-clean, and after-spill procedures.

ℹ️
​This guide is for the High-throughput Imaging Device with a built-in screen.

If your device does not have a screen, see this guide.

Device overview

Please read carefully before you proceed:

  • It is essential that you have read, understood, and received training on these SOP’s prior to performing any of the steps outlined. Improper handling of cleaning agents or exposure to biohazardous materials can pose serious risks to your health and safety, and may lead to equipment damage or cross-contamination.

  • Before beginning any cleaning procedure, ensure you are wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

  • If you have any uncertainties about the procedure, required PPE, or materials involved, consult your lab supervisor or biosafety officer before proceeding.

ℹ️ General overview

Required materials and PPE

  • Laboratory-approved surface disinfectant, e.g., ethanol (at least 70%) and Rodalon (according to package instructions). Always verify the specific cleaning agents required for the microorganisms you work with — see recommended cleaning agents below.

  • Paper towels, sterile lint-free wipes, or non-shedding cloths.

  • Nitrile gloves, lab coat, and eye protection; additionally, laboratory-approved clothing (long pants, closed shoes, etc.).

  • Disinfectant spray bottle (if applicable).

  • Waste disposal container (biohazard bag if needed).
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Recommended cleaning agents

Based on microorganisms used in the experiment.

Microorganism

Recommended agents

Notes

E. coli

70% ethanol, 1% sodium hypochlorite, phenolics, glutaraldehydes, iodines, formaldehyde

Clostridium perfringens

2% glutaraldehyde (3 hrs), 8% formaldehyde

Sporulating — resistant to most disinfectants including ethyl/propyl alcohols and chlorine dioxide

Salmonella spp.

Phenols, 1% sodium hypochlorite, 4% formaldehyde, 2% glutaraldehyde, 70% ethanol, 70% propanol, 2% peracetic acid, 3–6% hydrogen peroxide, quaternary ammonium compounds

Resistant to nitrites

Bacillus cereus

>2% glutaraldehyde (buffered, min. 30 min); 10% hydrogen peroxide (1 hr for spores)

Sporulating — partial activity towards biofilms

S. aureus

70% ethanol, chlorhexidine, 1% sodium hypochlorite, 2% glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde

L. monocytogenes

Sodium hypochlorite, iodophor, quaternary ammonium compounds

📆 Cleaning SOP

1. Prepare the device

  • Ensure the device is in 🟢 Ready state and all petri magazines have been removed from both carousels.

2. Clean the external enclosure

  • Spray solution onto a paper towel or cloth, then wipe down the device's external enclosure. Never spray cleaning solution directly onto the device.

    • We recommend paper towels and ethanol for the enclosure.

    • Be careful not to touch the sensor windows on both sides of the camera housing, marked with a "caution"sticker.

    • Press the ⬅️➡️ rotation buttons to rotate through both carousels and wipe them down externally. Do not remove carousels at this stage.

3. Enter Cleaning Mode

  • Hold the ⏯️ primary button for 3 seconds while the device is in 🟢 Ready state.

  • The screen will show 🟡 Cleaning Mode once active.

4. Disassemble to prepare for internal cleaning

  • Loosen and remove the knob screws that holds the carousels in place.

  • Using the black handles on either side of the screw, lift each carousel off the device and set it aside.

  • Open the device top by pulling up the handle — the top lifts open like a hood.

  • Unscrew and remove the starwheels from the device and set them aside on a separate surface.

5. Clean the inside of the enclosure.

  • Wipe down the inside of the device thoroughly.

    • Use a microfiber cloth on the acrylic imaging sections to ensure clear, high-quality image captures. Never spray cleaning solution directly onto the device.

  • Wipe underneath the elevators, where residue can collect out of sight.

  • Clean both starwheels — it is safe to spray cleaning solution directly onto them once they are away from the device.

  • Once cleaned, reassemble the starwheels.

    • Place the bottom starwheel first, with the column feet facing up.

    • Place the other starwheel on top, aligning it onto the two locating pins.

    • Refit and tighten the knob screw to hold them in place.

  • Close the top by lowering it back down.

    • Press firmly on the left and right sides of the top where indicated by the sticker labels to ensure it is fully closed.

  • Reattach the input and output carousels.


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6. Exit Cleaning Mode

  1. Press the primary button to exit Cleaning Mode.

  2. The device will re-initialize automatically (~3 min).

  3. The screen will show ✅ Ready when the device is ready for a new run.
    ​

☣️ After-spill SOP: biohazard exposure

If contamination has occurred:

  1. Contain the contamination following your lab-specific cleaning and decontamination procedure.

  2. Do not attempt to open or disassemble the device before receiving guidance from Reshape.

  3. Contact Reshape immediately at [email protected].
    ​

⚠️ Disclaimer:

This SOP provides general guidance but must be followed alongside any additional lab-specific cleaning, decontamination, or documentation procedures. Always comply with your laboratory's specific protocols and safety requirements. Reshape assumes no liability for incorrect handling of biohazardous materials and cleaning agents.

Additional resources

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