Sterility

Per definition, a sterile product does not harbor any living organisms on its surface. The degree of sterilization is described by a residual probability of contamination. This probability is expressed as SAL (Sterility Assurance Level). Thus, a SAL value of 10^-6 indicates the presence of one non-sterile item among 10⁶ (1,000,000) sterilized items.

Importance

Sterile products are required whenever the presence of germs may have a negative effect; for example, in the prevention of infection of samples or incorrect test results for microbiological experiments that would be caused by unsterile lab equipment.

Pyrogen-(endotoxin) free

Thermostable substances (glycoproteins) from the outer membrane of bacteria and other microorganisms can cause fever in humans and impair the growth of cell cultures.

Importance

Absence of pyrogen prevents endotoxin-based contamination in drug manufacture, cell culture and medical laboratories.

Bacterial DNA-free (E. coli):

DNA is found in all cells of living entities, and it is the carrier of all genetic information. The highly sensitive PCR technique enables the detection of individual molecules.

Importance

The presence of DNA could lead to falsepositive results for different applications involving DNA. Note: Autoclaving does not remove traces of DNA.

Free of human DNA

To eliminate this potential source of contamination, the consumables are tested for the presence of human DNA. Even a single cell (e.g., skin particles) would be detected in the test. Manufacturing is virtually fully automated and monitored by staff wearing protective clothing.

Importance

Tests for human DNA prevent consumables from containing DNA that could lead to falsepositive results (e.g., genetic tests in forensics)

DNase-free

DNAses are enzymes which degrade DNA

Importance

DNAse contaminations can influence DNA analysis

RNase-free

RNases are enzymes that degrade RNA. These enzymes are extremely resistant, even to autoclaving and irradiation.

Importance

RNase-free products are an absolute must in the field of molecular biology because RNA is highly sensitive and can be destroyed very quickly by RNases.

ATP-free

ATP is a part of all living cells; therefore, its presence can indicate biological contamination.

Importance

The test procedure for the quantitative and qualitative detection of ATP is already an integral part of hygiene monitoring, e.g., in the pharmaceutical industry.

Free of PCR inhibitors

PCR—the replication of DNA—has developed into one of the most important and commonplace molecular biology methods used in medical diagnostics, genetic counseling and all basic biological research. However, there are also substances that impair this reaction, so lab products must be free of these inhibitors.

Importance

It is essential that consumables used contain no impurities that could adversely affect PCR. This is particularly crucial for the amplification of minute quantities of genetic substances and for quantitative PCRs.

Eppendorf Quality

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Sterile

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PCR clean

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Sterile + PCR clean

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Biopur

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