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Vacuum Lines

All vacuum lines should be protected from contamination and fluid intake.

Protecting the Vacuum System

The above arrangement protects vacuum systems during aspiration. The left suction flask (A) is used to collect fluids into a suitable decontamination solution; the right flask serves as a fluid overflow collection vessel. A glass splarger in flask B minimizes splatter. An in-line HEPA filter (C) is used to protect the vacuum system (D) from aerosolized materials.

Inactivation of aspirated materials can be accomplished by placing sufficient chemical decontamination solution into the flask to kill microorganisms as they are collected. Once inactivation occurs, liquid materials can be disposed of as noninfectious waste.