Autoclave 101: Knowing Its Uses and Sterilization Process

May 10, 2021

  

The autoclave is one of the most efficient physical methods for disinfection and sterilization. The factors involved in an autoclave include steam, pressure, as well as time. In a gist, micro germs and spores are killed through the application of high pressure and temperature. This article provides more detail on the uses of autoclave, as well as the sterilization process.

Autoclave Uses

The autoclave is often used to decontaminate certain biological waste or sterilize a particular media in a laboratory. Even regulated medical waste that may contain harmful bacteria and viruses need to undergo the autoclave process before being disposed of properly. When you explore online sources, you are most likely to find an autoclave for sale - new sterilizers – at a very reasonable cost. These sterilizers are the key pieces used in an efficient and effective autoclave process.

Autoclave Cycles

To attain maximum effectiveness, the autoclave needs to reach and maintain a temperature of about 121 degrees Celsius for half an hour. This is attained by using saturated steam with at least 15 pounds per square inch of pressure. Depending on what the load is made of, as well as its volume, an increased cycle time may be necessary. More often than not, the rate of the exhaust depends on the nature of the load. For instance, dry material is usually treated in a fast exhaust cycle while liquids and other biological materials may need to undergo a slow exhaust cycle.

Materials

Certain materials are compatible with autoclaves, while some aren’t. Some of the autoclave compatible materials include tissue culture flasks, surgical instruments, glassware, and pipette tips, as well as media solutions, waste, and animal food and bedding. On the other hand, some of the autoclave incompatible materials include acids, bases, and organic solvents, as well as chlorides, sulfates, seawater, chlorine, hypochlorite, and bleach. You should also never autoclave flammable, reactive, corrosive, toxic, or radioactive materials, as well as household bleach, or any liquid in a sealed container.

Autoclave Safety Process

Before you begin the autoclave process, make sure that you are wearing the right personal protective equipment which includes a lab coat and eye protection, as well as closed-toe shoes and heat-resistant gloves. You should also make it a habit to check the insides of an autoclave for any items left from the previous process. Place items in a secondary container and make sure not to overload or package the bags too tightly. To package waste, only use autoclave bags.

Make sure to check that each cycle has been completed before you unload. Also, allow the autoclave load to stand at least 10 minutes in the chamber to allow steam to clear and trapped air to escape from hot liquids. From there, allow the items to cool at room temperature before you transport them.

When it comes to disinfection and sterilization, the autoclave is a process that is incorporated frequently. Aside from hazardous medical wastes, it can also be an effective means of sterilizing laboratory equipment. With the right pressure and temperature, micro germs and other organisms will surely be eliminated effectively.

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