Cross-contamination is an important cause of error in the laboratory. It can be prevented if precautions are taken and efforts are made.
Cross-contamination can be problematic in:
(1) cell cultures
(2) microbiology
(3) molecular methods
(4) chemistry
Cross-contamination can occur:
(1) through aerosols
(2) by failure to maintain cleanliness
(3) putting reagents back into stock bottles
(4) performing multiple tasks in the same workspace without adequate separation
Cross-contamination can be prevented by:
(1) meticulous laboratory technique and cleanliness
(2) knowing how contamination occurs and instituting environmental controls
(3) by keeping processes progressing in a planned, often linear, process
(4) avoiding re-entry into reagent containers or combining reagents whenever possible
(5) installing safeguards at key points
(6) avoidance of multi-tasking at the workspace
