Frequently Asked Questions About Autoclave and Sterilization
The sterilizer door does not open!
If there is pressure or vacuum inside the autoclave, you cannot open the lid. The word autoclave literally means "a system that locks itself with pressure". Therefore, the internal pressure of the boiler must reach ambient pressure in order to open the lid.
If you closed the door while the device was hot, when the temperature inside the chamber drops, naturally the boiler will be under a vacuum effect and in this case you may not be able to open the door. In such cases, if there is a safety valve at the back of the device, balance the pressure in the chamber by pulling it and the lid will open.
In other cases of locked doors, you may need to get technical support.
Why is the steam sterilization method preferred over other sterilization methods?
Sterilizing with an autoclave is more practical and cheaper than types of sterilization such as ethylene oxide (equipment that is sensitive to heat and humidity is sterilized with ethylene oxide) and hydrogen peroxide; This has made it the most common sterilization method in hospitals, clinics, dentist offices, oral and dental health centers and veterinarians.
What is the laboratory autoclave?
A laboratory autoclave, also known as a steam sterilizer, is an advanced device designed to use the heat of steam to kill microorganism life that may be present on a surface. Autoclaves are considered an essential device in almost every laboratory setting, especially in microbiology research, as they ensure the safety of researchers and the integrity of research by preventing the spread of organisms in sensitive environments.
What can I sterilize with a laboratory autoclave?
Depending on the model, laboratory autoclaves can sterilize a wide variety of products, including both solid and liquid media, metal instruments, glass containers, animal cage bedding, biohazardous materials, soil samples, and red bag waste.
What are the differences between Class B Autoclave, Class S Autoclave, Class N Autoclave?
Steam Sterilizer (Autoclave) Class B
Before sterilization in a Class B autoclave, vacuum-pressure pulses are made one or more times in a row in the boiler.
Steam Sterilizer (Autoclave) Class S
In the S class autoclave, before sterilization, steam is given and withdrawn in the boiler, creating pressure pulses.
Steam Sterilizer (Autoclave) Class N
In the N class autoclave, there is no vacuum or pressure in the boiler before sterilization. It starts creating steam directly like a pressure cooker.
Class B autoclaves ensure better penetration of steam into porous and hollow areas by ensuring that there are no air bubbles even at the lowest points, with pressure and vacuum pulses. Class B autoclaves use a vacuum motor, while Class S autoclaves use steam from a boiler or generator to create downward displacement that pushes air out of the chamber.
For more difficult loads containing porous or hollow material, Class B autoclaves are preferred. Class N autoclaves are suitable for standard applications where bubbles are unlikely to form.
What Should the Steam Sterilizer Pressure Be?
The temperature of the steam is directly proportional to its pressure. The pressure of steam at 121 degrees is approximately 1 bar, and the pressure of steam at 134 degrees is approximately 2 bars. The way to obtain steam above 100 degrees Celsius is to increase the pressure in a closed container. Autoclaves require a higher than atmospheric pressure to be effective because increased pressure raises the boiling point of water. This allows the autoclave to reach the higher temperatures necessary to effectively sterilize equipment and materials.
What does an sterilizer bacteria filter do?
After the sterilization process is completed in the autoclave, atmospheric air is sent in through valves to balance the pressure in the boiler. Materials that have just completed sterilization may not be 100% dry, and there is a possibility that microorganisms in the air entering from outside may contaminate our materials, and the HEPA filter reduces this possibility. A good quality bacterial filter (Hepa Filter) is produced to retain 99% of airborne dust and microorganisms. They provide filtered air flow into the boiler after sterilization.
Why use distilled water in steam sterilizer?
The autoclave transforms water into steam in a chamber or steam generator. Minerals in boiling water form limescale, which over time clogs the device pipes, valves and generator, causing the device to malfunction. In addition, distilled water is already close to sterile, and it has a positive effect on making sterilization more reliable.