Final answer:
Creams and other semisolid substances should be removed from their containers with a spatula to avoid contamination, while maintaining the sterility and integrity of the product in laboratory and medical applications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Creams and other semisolid substances should be removed from their containers with a spatula. This tool helps to ensure that the product remains uncontaminated, and it's a common practice in both laboratory settings and medical applications. In a laboratory setting, aseptic techniques are crucial, and when dealing with pharmaceutical creams, maintaining the sterility and integrity of the product is of the utmost importance.
Creams are semi-solid emulsions that can be classified into two types: oil-in-water (O/W) and water-in-oil (W/O). The former is less greasy and more easily washed off, making it more cosmetically acceptable, whereas the latter tends to be more hydrating due to the oily barrier it provides. When handling these substances, it is also necessary to use clean and possibly sterilized tools to avoid contamination.
Sterilization techniques may include using heat, such as passing through the flame of a Bunsen burner, or using alcohol for glass tools or metal spreaders that cannot be directly heated. These methods are essential to maintain the purity of the semisolid substances and ensure accurate results in the lab, especially when involved in the process of culturing bacteria or preparing chemical samples.