Autoclave

Autoclave Use

Autoclaves offer a physical methodology for medical care and sterilization. They work with a mix of steam, pressure and time. Autoclaves operate at extreme temperature and pressure so as to kill microorganisms and spores.
They are accustomed clean bound biological waste and sterilize media, instruments and work ware. Regulated medical waste which may contain bacterium, viruses and different biological material air suggested to be inactivated by autoclave before disposal.

Autoclave Cycles

To be effective, the autoclave should reach and maintain a temperature of 121° C for a minimum of half-hour by victimization saturated steam below a minimum of fifteen psi of pressure. Increased cycle time is also necessary relying upon the make-up and volume of the load.
The rate of exhaust can rely upon the character of the load. Dry material are often treated in a very quick exhaust cycle, whereas liquids and biological waste need slow exhaust to forestall boiling over of super-heated liquids.
Material

Compatible/Incompatible Materials
AUTOCLAVE-COMPATIBLE MATERIALS
AUTOCLAVE-INCOMPATIBLE MATERIALS

Tissue Culture Flasks
Surgical Instruments
Glassware
Pipette tips
Media Solutions
Animal food and bedding
Waste
Polypropylene (Secondary containers)
Stainless steel
Gloves
Acids, bases and organic solvent
Chlorides, sulphates
Seawater
Chlorine, hypochlorite, bleach
Non-stainless steel
Polystyrene(PS)
Polyethylene(PE)
Low density (LDPE) and High density polyethylene(HDPE)
Polyurethane
Never autoclave:
· Flammable, reactive, corrosive, toxic or radioactive materials
· Household bleach
· Any liquid in a sealed container.
· Any material contained in such a way that it touches the inside surfaces of the autoclave.
· Paraffin-embedded tissue.
Glass
Only Pyrex® or kind I salt glass is autoclavable. When autoclaving liquids in Pyrex® containers, don't fill quite 2/3 full and don't seal the instrumentality.

Plastic

Polypropylene is a cheap rosin which will resist autoclave temperatures. Polypropylene containers ar typically used as secondary containers to carry materials that ar autoclaved. Polycarbonate can also withstand high temperatures. Polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), nylon, acrylic, low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) lab ware and polyurethane tubing are not autoclavable under any conditions.