16 Questions
What is another name for an autoclave?
Steam sterilizer
What is the primary function of an autoclave?
To mix biohazardous waste
What temperature is required for effective sterilization in an autoclave?
250°F (121°C)
What is the minimum pressure required for effective sterilization in an autoclave?
20 psi
What is the purpose of the air removal valve in an autoclave?
To remove air from the chamber
What type of autoclave is suitable for hospitals and clinical and research laboratories?
Large-scale autoclave
What is the material used to make the lid or door of an autoclave?
Stainless steel
What is the purpose of the electrical heater in an autoclave?
To heat the contents of the chamber
What is the main purpose of the vent in a gravity displacement autoclave?
To remove air from the chamber
Which type of autoclave is typically available in large sizes?
Horizontal autoclave
What is an advantage of positive pressure displacement autoclave over other types?
It generates steam quickly
What is a common application of autoclave sterilization?
Sterilizing surgical instruments
What is a limitation of autoclave sterilization?
It is not suitable for heat-labile substances
What type of autoclave is typically used for small-sized materials?
Vertical autoclave
What is a safety precaution related to autoclave sterilization?
Avoiding thermal burns and cuts
What is a characteristic of gravity displacement autoclave?
It creates air pockets in autoclave bags
Study Notes
Autoclaves (Steam Sterilizers)
- Also known as steam sterilizers, used for healthcare or industrial applications.
- Use steam under pressure to kill harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores.
- Items are heated to an appropriate sterilization temperature for a given amount of time.
How Autoclaves Work
- Use highly saturated steam to eradicate biohazardous waste from the surface of tools or instruments.
- The autoclave chamber behaves like a pressure cooker, using moist heat to coagulate proteins and kill microorganisms.
- Effective sterilization occurs when the steam temperature exceeds 250°F (121°C) and the autoclave is pressurized to at least 20 psi.
Essential Parts of an Autoclave
- Drain valve
- Electrical heater
- Vessel or pressure chamber
- Air removal valve
- Safety valve
- Pressure gauge
- Lid/door (made of stainless steel)
Types of Autoclaves
Based on Size
- Large-scale autoclave: suitable for hospitals, clinical and research laboratories (e.g., Systec provides autoclaves ranging from 510 liters to 1580 liters)
- Small-scale autoclave: suitable for university and college laboratories (chambers can fit 20-300 liters of autoclavable materials)
Based on Working Principle
- Gravity displacement autoclave: unsuitable for autoclave bags, creates air pockets (horizontal and vertical types)
- Positive pressure displacement autoclave: faster, generates steam in a separate steam generator unit
- Negative pressure (vacuum) displacement autoclave: removes air inside the chamber before beginning the sterilization cycle (has both steam and vacuum generator inside)
Uses of Autoclave
- Sterilizing media-containing water that cannot be sterilized by dry heat
- Suitable for sterilizing:
- Surgical instruments
- Culture media
- Autoclavable plastic containers
- Plastic tubes and pipette tips
- Solutions and water
- Biohazardous waste
- Glassware (autoclave resistible)
Disadvantages of Autoclave Sterilization
- Not suitable for heat-labile substances
- Not suitable for the sterilization of powders and oils
- Potential hazards include heat, steam, and pressure, which can cause thermal burns and cuts
Learn about autoclaves, also known as steam sterilizers, used in healthcare and industrial applications to kill harmful microorganisms. Understand the working principle of autoclaves and how they use steam to eradicate biohazardous waste.
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