Safer Alternatives

**Note** - The links below are examples. Your choice is not limited to these distributors.

VACUUM LINE PROTECTION:

Protect vacuum sources from contamination and moisture damage.

ALTERNATIVE CHEMICALS:

Note: Alternative chemicals may still be hazardous, but with less toxic consequences. Contact Environmental Programs (684-2794) for collection and disposal questions.
Contact Occupational Hygiene & Safety (684-5996) for chemical safety-related information. Always refer to MSDSs and SOPs for best work practices.

Ethidium Bromide Nucleic Acid Stain Substitute:

Xylene Substitute

Toluene for Benzene

Paraformaldehyde Flakes and Granules in Lieu of Powders

Formaldehyde/Formalin Substitutes: Purchase prefilled specimen containers or consider these alternatives:

NOTOX

Shandon Glyo-Fixx

Histo-Fixx Brochure

Pre-cast Gels in Lieu of Handling SDS and Acrylamide Powders:

Invitrogen

Precast Polyacrylamide Gels

 

PREVENTING SHARPS INJURIES:

CELL CULTURE MEDIA ASPIRATION:
Polystyrene aspirating pipets should be used in lieu of glass Pasteur Pipets. These sterile, non-plugged, nongraduated pipets can be used for all vacuum-aspirating procedures. Individually wrapped pipets feature thermoformed paper/plastic wrap to ensure against contamination. Nonpyrogenic.

CUTTING AGAROSE GELS:
Plastic cover slips may be used as a substitute for unprotected razor blades or glass cover slips.

RETRACTABLE SAFETY SCALPELS:
Retraction feature hides the blade in the safety position, thereby reducing accidental cuts. Click here for more information.

OPENING BOXES AND PACKAGES:
Box cutters should be used instead of unprotected razor blades. This Self-Retracting Knife has spring-loaded automatic blade return and die-cast zinc handle.

DISPOSABLE HEMOCYTOMETERS:
C-Chip Disposable Hemocytometers as a substitute for glass hemocytometers.

PREVENTING FIRES IN LABS DUE TO OPEN FLAMES AND ALCOHOL:

Disposable Loops and Needles:

Disposable Cell Spreaders:

Bacti-Cinerator Electric Loop/Needle Sterilizer: