Emma Radebaugh
Whether you are a project manager responsible for the installation of new medical equipment or an equipment manager, it’s important to understand what an autoclave machine is and how it works. Autoclaves are essential devices used in environments that require extremely clean conditions—such as operating rooms and laboratories—to sterilize materials quickly and efficiently. Let’s look at the basic elements of an autoclave, review the device’s uses, and review how autoclaves work.
Overview of Autoclaves and Their Uses
Autoclaves are specialized pieces of equipment that perform high-temperature steam sterilization under pressure. They contain a sealable chamber, a heat source, and a system to control pressure. During the sterilization process, the autoclave subjects its contents to saturated steam at temperatures above boiling point for a specific time. This process effectively eliminates contaminants, ensuring the sterilized items are free from any infectious pathogens.
Autoclaves find extensive use in several industries. Medical facilities utilize autoclaves to sterilize surgical tools, laboratory equipment, and other materials susceptible to carrying infectious agents. They also play an essential role in scientific laboratories, where they sterilize labware, media, and various research tools.
How Autoclaves Work
The primary principle behind autoclaves is that high temperature and pressure create an environment where contaminants, microorganisms, and spores cannot survive. Autoclaves typically operate at temperatures ranging from 250°F to 270°F and a pressure of about 15 to 30 psi. This combination of heat and pressure ensures the efficient destruction of microorganisms, including heat-resistant spores, resulting in the sterilization of equipment and materials.
The autoclave’s chamber holds the materials or equipment that need sterilization. The steam generator or an external connection to a steam source provides the high-pressure steam necessary for sterilization.
However, it’s important to note that if you’re choosing an autoclave for your facility, there are two main types to choose between: gravity vacuum and pre-vacuum. These autoclaves use two different processes to dispose of contaminated air, and depending on the porosity of the equipment you’re sterilizing, you may prefer one over the other.
The Process of Using an Autoclave
Using an autoclave involves several steps that ensure the materials or equipment become sterile without causing harm. First, employees prepare the materials and load them into the autoclave chamber, taking care to ensure even distribution of heat and pressure throughout the chamber. Next, they close the chamber door and seal the device.
Once loaded and sealed, the autoclave begins to heat and pressurize the chamber, maintaining the desired temperature and pressure for the required duration—usually around 30 to 60 minutes. Following the sterilization process, the autoclave gradually releases pressure and cools down, allowing for safe handling of the now sterile materials.
Now that you know what an autoclave is and how it works, you can confidently make decisions about its use in your operations. Whether you need it to fulfill an industry standard or to ensure safe, daily operations, having a quality autoclave onboard is key to success.
