Autoclave Sterilization Process Guide
In today’s society, infection control practices are more essential than ever. The introduction of pathogenic species has become a greater problem for patients and health care providers than it has ever been. The most effective way of an infection prevention and control for stopping pathogenic bacteria has long been recognized as sterilization. The safety of the patient and the health care professional from various infectious diseases are the product of adequate instrument sterilization. The priority on infection prevention has increased. Between uses, instruments must be sterilized.
The Importance of Sterilization
In medical and dental facilities, sterilization is required to reduce potentially dangerous bacteria and viruses, diseases, and fungal spores from instruments. However, Traditional chemical and mechanical sterilization methods do not always eliminate all microorganisms. Autoclaves are perfect for killing microorganisms that can resist traditional sanitation methods.
What are an Autoclave and its uses?
An autoclave is a sterilization system used in research facilities, hospitals, labs, and clinics, to sterilize dental and medical equipment. An autoclave is a nice method to sterilize large quantities of products, and they available in a variety of sizes to fit your needs.
How Does an Autoclave’s Sterilization Process Work?
The sterilization agent in autoclaves is pressurized steam. The basic concept of an autoclave is to have each item sterilized — whether it is a liquid, plastic ware or glassware. In this direct contact with steam for a specified period of time, a certain temperature and pressure can be maintained. The four main parameters essential for sustainable autoclave sterilization are time, steam, temperature, and pressure.
The amount of time and temperature required for sterilization varies depending on the material being sterilized. Sterilization times are reduced when higher temperatures are used. 121°C and 132°C are the most commonly used temperatures. Steam is always injected into the chamber at a pressure greater than average atmospheric pressure for it to reach these extreme temperatures.
Steam Quality
Steam management is important in the autoclave sterilization process. Autoclave Sterilization Equipment Manufacturers in India recommends using “97 percent pure steam.” The measurable key components of steam used for sterilization are related to steam quality.
Steam supply and sterilizer can be constructed to provide a wide level of protection towards steam quality non-compliance with careful design, following well-established principles, and proper maintenance. Steam quality monitoring should be part of annual preventative maintenance and certification monitoring in a production or GMP environment.
Incompatible and Compatible Materials
Although autoclave sterilization is a highly effective method, some materials are compatible with it while others are not. Materials that are compatible include:
- Glassware
- Stainless steel
- Pipette tips
- Media Solutions
- Polypropylene
- Tissue Culture Flasks
- Surgical Instruments
- Gloves
The following materials should not be sterilized in an autoclave and instead, they are sterilized by some other physical or chemical process:
- Acids, bases, and organic solvent
- Any liquid in a sealed container
- Household bleach
- Non-stainless steel
- Polystyrene
- Polyethylene
- Polyurethane
We aim for quality management and are dedicated to providing sterilization and distillation solutions of the highest quality and efficiency. If you want to learn more about the steam sterilization process or have any other autoclave-related questions, please contact us. Thymol Autoclave is always welcome to help.
In India, we, Autoclave Sterilization Equipment Manufacturers in India produce autoclave sterilization equipment, their products range includes Autoclaves, mushroom autoclaves, dental autoclaves, horizontal autoclaves, and vertical autoclaves. These Autoclaves are available in best quality and offered at affordable prices.