Keeping lab instruments clean and free of sample residue is a commonly overlooked source of contamination and inadvertent transfer of materials. An advanced feature on the top-end OHAUS Explorer Analytical and Semi-Micro balances can help greatly reduce the risk of cross- contamination.


OHAUS Explorer Analytical and Semi-Micro balances provide dependable, high-precision weighing down to the fifth decimal. All Explorer Analytical and Semi-Micro models feature a protective draftshield to create a stable environment free of draft, dust and other potentially disruptive external factors that could impact the integrity of your results. However, reliable precision is not the only concern with laboratory weighing.
 
In larger laboratories where multiple equipment is in use and various applications may be taking place simultaneously, maintaining a sterile and clean environment is a chief concern. For example, USP chapter 800 outlines a strict set of operating guidelines for pharmaceutical compounding applications to help ensure worker safety and mitigate the risks of cross contamination.  USP chapter 800 focuses on the "receipt, storage, compounding, dispensing, administration, and disposal of sterile and nonsterile products and preparations."
 
In handling hormones and other sensitive or hazardous samples, safety is a primary concern. Limiting worker exposure and reducing the risk of contamination is critical. In fact, the less lab workers need to touch and interact with equipment, the safer the process as the risk of absorbing chemicals transdermally is mitigated. Reducing worker interaction with equipment also lessens the likelihood of contamination with trace amounts of previously used substances. To that end, OHAUS has rolled out a line of Explorer Analytical and Semi-Micro balances featuring a unique auto-door feature. The draftshield can be opened “hands-free” with the use of four touchless infrared sensors.

An Ingeniously Practical Feature

The auto-door feature enables a “touchless experience” that helps mitigate the risk of human error in the lab. Typically, when placing a sample on a weighing pan, lab workers are holding a beaker in one hand and perhaps a dispenser in the other. Having to put one down to manually open the draftshield creates the risk for human error, such as drops and spills. The auto-door feature allows for easier access to the weighing chamber as simply passing one’s arm or elbow over an IR sensor will activate the auto-door. Upon activation, the draftshield door will slide open smoothly and completely automatically.
 
In addition to freeing up your hands, this also reduces how often you need to touch the balance. By not having to manually slide the door open and closed with a gloved hand that has been on the counter and handling tools and samples, you greatly reduce the risk of contaminating the balance or the sample being weighed. This helps ensure sample integrity and worker safety, as well as USP compliance.
 
Unique safety features, reliably accurate and repeatable results, and a user-friendly interface make the OHAUS Explorer balance ideal for laboratory environments. A precision-machined weighing cell and auto-calibration feature allow for fast stabilization times, optimized linearity, and enhanced vibration filtering for the superior precision and reliability you’ve come to expect from OHAUS. With the addition of the auto-door feature, the Explorer is the safest laboratory grade balance you’ll find.
 
The auto-door feature is available on Explorer balances with 0.1 and 0.01 mg readability. For a limited time, OHAUS is offering Explorer models with the auto-door function at no additional cost. Contact your regional OHAUS representative for details.