Autoclave Lab 2 PDF

Autoclave Lab. 2 Attended by: Assistant teacher/ SUHAIB RAAD Autoclaves are also known as steam sterilizers, and are typically used for healthcare or industrial applications. An autoclave is a machine that uses steam under pressure to kill harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, and sp...

Autoclave Lab. 2 Attended by: Assistant teacher/ SUHAIB RAAD Autoclaves are also known as steam sterilizers, and are typically used for healthcare or industrial applications. An autoclave is a machine that uses steam under pressure to kill harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores on items that are placed inside a pressure vessel. The items are heated to an appropriate sterilization temperature for a given amount of time. The moisture in the steam efficiently transfers heat to the items to destroy the protein structure of the bacteria and spores. 1. Autoclaves use highly saturated steam to eradicate biohazardous waste from the surface of tools or instruments. 2. The autoclave chamber behaves like a pressure cooker, using moist heat to coagulate proteins and kill microorganisms. 3. 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 autoclave 1. Drain valve. 2. Electrical heater. 3. Vessel or pressure chamber. 4. Air removal valve. 5. Safety valve. 6. Pressure gauge. 7. Lid/ door The lid or door is made up of stainless steel and placed at the vessel’s mouth. Types of Autoclaves There are different types of autoclaves available. Based on size 1. Large-scale autoclave: It is more significant in size. Some may have double chambers and can have 500 liters to more than 1500 liters’ chamber. The capacity of the autoclave depends on the manufacturers. Companies like Systec provide large autoclaves ranging from 510 liters to 1580 liters. It is suitable for hospitals and clinical and research laboratories. 2. Small-scale autoclave: It is smaller in size. It has chambers that can simultaneously fit 20-300 liters of autoclavable materials. But the size range varies based on the companies. It is suitable for university and college laboratories. basis of Working Principle 1. Gravity displacement autoclave: The hot steam enters the chamber and forces all the air through a vent. It is unsuitable for autoclave bags because it creates air pockets. It is generally of two types; horizontal and vertical autoclave.  Horizontal autoclave: The door/lid of this type of autoclave open outwards towards the handler. It is usually available in large sizes.  Vertical autoclave: The autoclavable material is loaded from the top side of the autoclave. It is usually available in small sizes. 2. Positive pressure displacement autoclave: Here, the steam is generated in a separate steam generator unit, and then the moisture is transferred into the autoclave. It is faster because it takes only a few seconds to generate steam. 3. Negative pressure (vacuum) displacement autoclave: In this type of autoclave, a vacuum generator creates a vacuum that removes air inside the chamber before beginning the sterilization cycle. This type of autoclave has both a steam and vacuum generator inside it. Uses of Autoclave Autoclave is particularly useful for media-containing water that cannot be sterilized by dry heat. It is the method of choice for sterilizing the following: 1- Surgical instruments 2- Culture media 3- Autoclavable plastic containers 4- Plastic tubes and pipette tips 5- Solutions and water 6- Biohazardous waste 7- Glassware (autoclave resistible) Disadvantages of autoclave sterilization. 1- Not suitable for heat-labile substances. 2 - It is not suitable for the sterilization of powders and oils. 3 - Potential hazards include heat, steam, and pressure, which can cause thermal burns and cuts. Autoclave safety precautions 1- Training: Laboratory personnel should be trained before using a specific model of the autoclave. 2- Proper spacing: Do not overcrowd the autoclave; allow for efficient sterilization. 3- Secondary chamber: Always place items to be autoclaved in the secondary chamber. 4- Use autoclavable bags: Only use autoclavable bags for packaging materials/ waste. 5- Protective equipment: Wear goggles, lab coat, closed shoes, and heat-resistant gloves.