Table of Contents
What items should be autoclaved?
Wrapped Goods or Pre vacuum cycle
- Glassware that must be sterilized upright and/or can trap air.
- Wrapped dry items that can trap air.
- Pipette tip boxes.
- Sharps decontamination.
- (in collection containers)
- Biohazard waste decontamination, in autoclave bags; can be wet or dry.
What is an autoclave used for and how does it work?
An autoclave is used in medical and laboratory settings to sterilize lab equipment and waste. Autoclave sterilization works by using heat to kill microorganisms such as bacteria and spores. It’s nontoxic and inexpensive, it kills microbes and spores rapidly, and it quickly heats and penetrates fabrics.
Why autoclaving is the best method of sterilization?
Autoclaving is the most effective method of sterilizing the lab equipment specially for liquid handling products to kill harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores. The autoclaving process takes advantage of the phenomenon that the boiling point of water (or steam) increases when it is under high pressure.
Which is not safe to be autoclaved?
Do not autoclave flammable, reactive, corrosive, or toxic chemicals (e.g., alcohols, chloroform, acetic acid, formalin, or fixed tissues). Lab coats that have been contaminated with chemicals should not be autoclaved but cleaned by an approved laundry service or disposed of as chemical waste.
What is the principle of autoclave?
An autoclave is a device that works on the principle of moist heat sterilisation, wherein saturated steam is generated under pressure in order to kill microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and even heat-resistant endospores from various types of instruments.
Can you autoclave Ziploc bags?
temperature autoclavable bags are manufactured from heavy gauge polypropylene material that is not only more puncture-resistant than polyethylene, but also withstands autoclaving at temperatures up to 136°C (250°F).
Can autoclaves explode?
Explosion Hazard: explosions can occur when the seal of the door malfunctions or when autoclave is loaded improperly. Pressure and heat in chamber will escape rapidly potentially causing serious injury.
What do you need to know about autoclaves?
An autoclave is capable of rendering items sterile of any living organisms by using hot, pressurized steam. Autoclaves are commonly used in laboratories to sterilize glassware and instruments, media and solutions, and biohazardous waste. The hazards associated with autoclave use include heat, steam, and pressure.
What are the health and safety guidelines for autoclaving?
Principal Investigators and/or lab managers should ensure users are properly trained on the autoclave in use. Units should be tested regularly with a commercial preparation containing Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores (a biological indicator), in particular, any unit in a BSL3 facility.
What kind of glass should I use for autoclaving?
Borosilicate glass. Polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastics. Stainless steel. Houshold glassware. * Neutralize waste containing bleach with equal amounts of 1% sodium thiosulfate in water prior to autoclaving. General Guidelines.
Why do we need to autoclaving infectious waste?
The reason for autoclaving infectious waste is that it must be handled several times during transport; proper containment and treatment at the source reduces the potential for an accidental exposure.