Glasswashing Facility

The Glasswashing Facility collects, washes, dries and sterilizes glassware owned by individual laboratories at Fox Chase Cancer Center. The service is provided according to a prearranged schedule based upon each laboratory's needs. The glassware is returned the same day if it is picked up before noon. In the event of a critical need for glasswashing services, the facility is capable of processing an investigator's request. Additional autoclaves are located throughout the Center to accommodate each laboratory's needs. The central facility manages the operation of this equipment.

In addition, the Glasswashing Facility maintains an inventory of glassware to provide replacement glassware to laboratories as needed. This inventory is purchased in bulk to take advantage of quantity discounts. The Center has negotiated an arrangement with Fisher Scientific for the purchase of glassware; this arrangement waives shipping charges and is less expensive on average than purchasing from competitors. Having this supply centrally located also provides a convenience to investigators who need glassware immediately.

The supervisor consults with new investigators in determining the amount and type of glassware necessary for the new laboratory's operation. The facility then purchases, washes, labels and sets up the glassware in the laboratory. At this consultation, the new investigator is also oriented to facility's services.

The facility's major items of equipment include:

• Two laboratory glassware and instrument washers
• Three dryers
• Two dry heat sterilizers
• Three autoclaves
• One sonic energy cleaner
• Assorted accessories, tables and minor items of equipment