Autoclave Dos and Don¡¯ts: What It Does
Table of Contents
- What Autoclave Does
- What Autoclave Do
- Autoclave Sterilization Process
- Types of sterilization
- Autoclave Applications
- Best Practices for Using Autoclaves
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Autoclave Dos and Don¡¯ts: What It Does
An autoclave is a sterilization device designed to be used for various purposes to maintain a higher level of safety and hygiene. The device has several applications, including the sterilization of medical equipment, laboratory tools, pharmaceutical products, research materials, industrial instruments, food preparation, and many more. In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for autoclaves, with many distributors, dealers, and procuring companies scouting for the perfect product to offer to their clients.
In a nutshell, autoclaves have gained significant popularity and recognition as their importance in medical and laboratory environments is not a secret to anyone. The most effective method to maintain sterility and hygiene in such surroundings is through sterilization. An autoclave is an effective sterilization device used by microbiologists to decontaminate equipment and prevent the contamination of various substances. Sterilization involves the killing of all types of microorganisms, which include fungi, viruses, bacteria, and their spores. This article will provide details of what autoclaves do and how they work. We will discuss what an autoclave is, its functionality, applications, and the best autoclave practices to maintain hygiene.
What Autoclave Do
Autoclaves are designed to sterilize instruments by heating water to form steam in a vessel under high pressure. The steam then gets passed through a sterilization chamber at a high temperature to kill all the microorganisms present in the area. There are three basic stages of a sterilization cycle in an autoclave. The first step is the heating process in which water is heated to produce steam. The temperature in the chamber then begins to increase. As soon as it reaches the right amount, the pressure is held at a specific level for a specific duration. This process is then followed by a cooling cycle in which the chamber is gradually cooled and the pressure is released at the end of the sterilization cycle.
Autoclave Sterilization Process
Autoclave sterilization process
A closer look at the autoclave sterilization process, you will notice that there are different levels of temperature, which include 121 and 134 degrees Celcius, depending on the type of autoclave and cycle used. The three main steps of the autoclave process are highlighted below;
Heating phase
In the heating process, water is used to generate steam in the autoclave chamber. The increase in temperature begins immediately, and as soon as it reaches the desired level, the sterilization process commences. The temperatures used for autoclave sterilization cycle are generally 121 or 134 degrees Celcius.
Sterilization phase
In this stage, when the desired temperature and pressure level have been reached, the sterilization process will begin. This phase usually takes a fixed amount of time depending on the type of item to be sterilized and the autoclave cycle used. For example, a normal sterilization process at 121 degrees Celcius usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. On the other hand, shorter cycles at 134 degrees Celcius will take 3 to 10 minutes.
Cooling phase
After the sterilization cycle, the cooling phase process will commence. This phase allows the pressure in the sterilization chamber to be slowly released and the steam will be allowed to escape. This process is necessary to ensure that the materials can be safely removed from the chamber.
Types of Sterilization
Autoclaves are not only designed to be used in the sterilization of instruments and materials, they are also used in different methods of sterilization. The two methods include;
Moist Heat Sterilization
This is the most common type of sterilization and is used in autoclaves. In this method, steam is used as the sterilant which is passed through a steam generator in the autoclave. Moist heat sterilization is used in the sterilization of various materials, for instance, surgical tools, laboratory glassware, and textiles.
Dry Heat Sterilization
Dry heat sterilization is not commonly used. In this method of sterilization, hot air is used to sterilize the materials. Hot air sterilization is commonly used in autoclaves, though it is mostly used for items that can get damaged by moisture such as some types of powders and oils.
Autoclave Applications
Autoclave Applications
Autoclaves can be used in a variety of applications in different industries, as follows;
Healthcare and Medical Applications
Sterilization of surgical instruments
In the healthcare sector, autoclaves are used in sterilizing surgical instruments and equipment. Surgical tools such as scalpels, forceps, and scissors among other items are sterilized using an autoclave before use in operations. This is done to avoid contamination and ensure the safety of the patients.
Sterilization of medical waste
Autoclaves are also used for sterilization of medical waste before it is disposed of. Some of the materials used in this process include used syringes, bandages, and other medical equipment that has the potential to spread infections. An autoclave will ensure that the waste has been effectively and safely treated and poses no danger to the environment.
Sterilization of laboratory equipment
Autoclaves are also used in laboratories to sterilize various equipment and materials. This includes laboratory glassware, culture media, pipettes, among others. This method of sterilization helps in conducting various microbiology experiments in a sterile environment.
Pharmaceutical Applications
Sterilization of pharmaceuticals
Autoclaves are also used in the production of sterile products in the pharmaceutical industry. This is done by using an autoclave to sterilize equipment, containers, and even the final products to ensure that they are free of contaminants. This process is very important especially when producing injectable medications to avoid any form of contamination.
Validation of sterilization processes
Autoclaves are also used in the validation of sterilization processes. Pharmaceutical companies are also used in autoclaves as part of their process for validating sterilization cycles. In this process, a routine sterilization cycle is run in an autoclave and the outcomes are then monitored to confirm that all the microorganisms have been killed.
Research and Laboratory Applications
Microbiological media preparation
Autoclaves are used to prepare microbiological media in microbiology laboratories. This is done by sterilizing the media in an autoclave to make sure that it is free of all forms of microorganisms. This is essential as the media usually already has microorganisms on them and these may later affect the accuracy of the experiment.
Sterilization of animal cages and equipment
Autoclaves are also used in the sterilization of cages and equipment used in research animals. This is to ensure that animals in a laboratory setting do not get infected by various pathogens.
Industrial Applications
Food processing
Autoclaves are used in food processing to sterilize both food products and packaging. This process is also known as retort processing, and this is very popular in the canned foods production industry.
Textile and material sterilization
Autoclaves are also used in the textile industry for sterilization of materials and fabrics. This is especially true for medical textiles, for instance, surgical gowns and drapes, which must be sterilized before use in a healthcare environment.
Best Practices for Using Autoclaves
Autoclave Best Practices
In as much as autoclaves are designed to be used in sterilizing materials and equipment, the following best practices are recommended to ensure effective sterilization and a safe environment.
- Thorough cleaning before sterilization
One of the basic autoclave practices is cleaning of instruments before autoclaving. This is done by rinsing the tools to remove blood, ink and other forms of organic materials. This can be done by placing the instruments in an ultrasonic cleaner or by washing them by hand with soap and water. It is important to note that the instruments should be completely dry before sterilization.
- Proper loading techniques
Autoclaves should be properly loaded to enhance effective sterilization. In this regard, it is not advisable to overcrowd the autoclave chamber. Space should be provided between the tools for the steam to penetrate. Hollow instruments should be placed vertically for the steam to be able to penetrate the inside of the instruments.
- Regular maintenance
Regular maintenance of the autoclave is also recommended. This should be done routinely before use and as part of a professional service. During this process, the autoclave seals, valves and gaskets should be checked regularly for any wear and tear and the damaged parts should be replaced.
- Monitoring and validation
Monitoring and validation of the autoclave cycles are also very important. In this process, the effectiveness of sterilization is checked. Biological indicators are used to validate sterilization of instruments by the autoclave. Spores are used in these indicators to measure the amount of biological burden. The biological indicators should have high amounts of spores. The autoclave should then kill these spores.
- Staff training
Staff should be properly trained on how to use an autoclave and the best autoclave practices for maintaining hygiene in the laboratory. This will not only ensure compliance, but it will also create a safe environment for staff.
Conclusion
In conclusion, autoclaves are among the most important sterilization devices that have been used to help sterilize various types of materials and equipment used in several fields. The most common use of autoclaves is in medical and laboratory environments for maintaining sterility. Other uses of autoclaves include; pharmaceutical applications, research and laboratory applications, and industrial applications. Understanding of what autoclaves do, functionality, sterilization methods, applications, and best autoclave practices will be essential for autoclave distributors, dealers, and procuring companies when buying the best autoclave.
FAQ
What is an autoclave and what does it do?
An autoclave is a sterilization device used in various industries for the purposes of sterilizing instruments and equipment. The most common application is the medical field, where autoclaves are used in the sterilization of surgical equipment, medical waste, and laboratory tools. It works by using high-pressure steam to kill all forms of microbial life such as bacteria, fungi, viruses and their spores.
How does the autoclave sterilization process work?
The autoclave sterilization process involves three main stages which are; heating, sterilization, and cooling phase. The heating phase involves the heating of water to produce steam. The steam is then directed into a chamber to a specific temperature and this process is followed by a sterilization process that usually takes a certain amount of time. This is then followed by a cooling cycle to release pressure slowly from the autoclave chamber.
What types of items can be sterilized in an autoclave?
Autoclaves are designed to sterilize various types of instruments and materials depending on the nature and type of autoclave used. The most common items that can be sterilized using an autoclave include surgical tools and equipment, laboratory glassware and equipment, various pharmaceutical products, textiles, and even food.
How often should an autoclave be maintained?
Autoclaves are supposed to be well maintained before every use. Routine maintenance should be done to ensure that the autoclave works perfectly. This should be done routinely, for instance, by ensuring that seals, valves, and gaskets are in good working condition before use. In addition to that, it is recommended to have a professional perform maintenance on a regular basis.
What are the best practices for using an autoclave?
Autoclave best practices include; thorough cleaning before sterilization, proper loading techniques, regular maintenance, monitoring and validation, and staff training.