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Autoclaves. in about ten minutes. Autoclaves. Autoclave is strong vessel in which water* heated under pressure. (Recall that bp is higher at higher pressure….) “Superheated steam?” Commonly 18 psig and 250 o F. Sterilize instruments, media, and infectious waste. ...and other activities.
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Autoclaves in about ten minutes
Autoclaves • Autoclave is strong vessel in which water* heated under pressure. (Recall that bp is higher at higher pressure….) “Superheated steam?” • Commonly 18 psig and 250oF. • Sterilize instruments, media,and infectious waste. • ...and other activities *other liquids may be used in chemical reactors, also called autoclaves
Hazards • Burns -- steam, hot water. • Inadequate killing of infectious organisms. • Pressurizing & rupture of closed vessels inside autoclave or on opening of door.
Preparation • Clear drain screen to allow steam circulation. • Arrange load to allow steam circulation. • Check door gasket for damage. • Use secondary containment with liquids and infectious waste. • Use only borosilicate (pyrex type) glass. • Loosen caps or use foil covers or cotton plugs. • Do not overfull containers.
Set and Start Autoclave • Thirty minutes is MINIMUM. • Time required is load dependent. • Make sure everything is in completely. • Tighten door properly. • Start cycle.
And then… • NEVER try to open while it’s operating. • Wear heat resistant gloves, splash goggles. • Check pressure gauge = 0 psi before opening. • If there’s resistance, do not force. • Stand back. • Open door 1/2 inch, allow steam to dissipate. • Slowly open door further.
Opening Door Too Quickly • Can cause even Pyrex containers to crack (spilling/splashing very hot liquid) • Can cause rapid violent boiling of liquids because they are higher than bp now. • If load became unstable, items might fall over or fall out and splash/spill. • If inner container has been pressurized (inadvertently) it may burst.
Last remarks • Be trained. • Be careful. • Do not make repairs to the autoclave. • Autoclave testkits availablefrom REM.