An autoclave is used for sterilizing lab equipment. After using the tools and machines in labs and hospitals, they get contaminated. To stay safe and get the best output from the equipment, it’s important to sterilize them. Autoclave uses pressure steam to produce high heat to disinfect everything.
However, the use of an autoclave is versatile. However, the working process is simple. This article will discuss how an autoclave works and what the usage is. Everything has been explained in detail so that anyone can understand it.
Common Components of an Autoclave
Before learning how an autoclave works, it’s important to get to know the machine first. It will help to understand the process better. The following are some common components of an autoclave:
The Grid Basket
A grid basket is a major part of an autoclave in the sterilizing process. To sterilize things, they need to be inserted into this basket or chamber. Here, then the autoclave disinfects the equipment. The chamber has the ability to create heat with pressure. That’s why it’s also called a pressure chamber. The grid basket is completely protected from the outer environment.
The Lid
However, to protect the chamber from the outer environment, Lid helps. It seals the entrance of the chamber so that nothing can get in during the sterilization. It also ensures that the autoclave can create enough pressure into the grid basket. Moreover, it holds the pressure inside.
A lot of useful components are included in the lid to help the user. A thermometer indicates the temperature inside. The lid also includes two valves. One is pressure control, which opens after a certain limit to keep the pressure as required. The air valve opens after completing the process to release the steam.
Autoclave Tape
Autoclave machines use an autoclave tape to indicate when it reaches a certain temperature. It’s important to keep track of the temperature for safety.
Electrical Heater
An Electric heater heats water to produce steam. It is usually found below the grid basket. Autoclave uses steam to sterilize materials, not the water
[Caution: During the sterilization, there always must be a good amount of water on the heater. Or else it possibly will burn out.]
Water Cooler
After completing the process, a water cooler cools down the water. After that, the liquid drains through a valve.
How Does an Autoclave Work-Step By step Process
The working process of an Autoclave isn’t that tricky if you understand. Usually, there are two types of autoclave people use. Small clinics and dentists use tabletop autoclaves. On the other hand, hospitals use larger models. Regardless of the type, both of them work in the same process.
After starting the machine, it starts to create steam. Then it disinfects the materials. To understand easily, here we have divided the process into three phases. Everything has been explained below in detail:
Top three phasesof Autoclave working process:
1st Phase: Start Steaming
At first, the user inserts the material into the grid basket and turns on the autoclave. Then the heater begins to heat the water. It produces steam. The pressure builds up gradually into the chamber.
2nd Phase: Sterilization
In the second phase, the temperature reaches the desired level. Usually, in hospitals, they keep the temperature between 120°-140°. This phase requires a minimum of 4 to 5 minutes for proper sterilization.
However, based on the equipment, it can go as long as 15 to 20 minutes. During this phase, all the valves stay close to ensure pressure can’t get out.
[Note: The pressure control valve is often opened to eliminate excess pressure.]
3rd Phase: Draining
Finally, when the sterilization is completed, the water drains through a valve. Before draining, a cooling water system cools down the temperature of the water. And then, the content that has been sterilized is kept in a safe place.
Tips for Better Sterilization
Though it seems simple, without proper caution, the result can be inferior. Following tips can be helpful:
- Don’t make the chamber crowded with a lot of materials. Leave some space after entering all the equipment.
- Avoid inserting waste materials and clean materials together. They both need different processes. Besides, the clean material also can end up being dirty due to the waste item.
- Never ever try to open the chamber’s door (lid) when the sterilization is going on.
- Plastic items can melt due to the high heat inside the chamber. Therefore, avoid inserting such items.
- Ensure proper that the temperature isn’t too high or too low. It will result in poor sterilization.
- Check if the air filter is working fine. It’s important to eliminate harmful gases.
Following these tips should be enough for excellent sterilization.
FAQs
What is the working principle of an autoclave?
The working principle of an autoclave is to use steam to sterilize materials inside the chamber. An electric heater boils the water with pressure and then produces heat which then helps to sterilize every material properly.
What can not be sterilized in an autoclave?
A few things should be avoided to be inserted into the chamber. It includes volatile items that can easily melt, such as plastics. Then any item that has been contaminated by radiation. Also, avoid sterilizing flammable items as high heat possibly can cause fire to such items.
What is the advantage of autoclave?
The autoclave sterilizes materials more efficiently than dry heat. Besides, many items can be inserted together into the chamber. Therefore, it saves much time. Also, the rubber materials in clinical items can withstand the temperature of an autoclave.
Do autoclaves kill everything?
The autoclave is efficient in killing microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, etc. They can survive in high temperatures but can not survive temperatures above 135°. An autoclave can produce 140° heat easily.
Who is the best autoclave tape manufacturer?
According to the study, Nev’s ink is a USA-based company, known for manufacturing high-quality autoclave tape and pressure sensitive levels for healthcare companies. The autoclave tape by this brand is waterproof, oil-resistant, acid-resistant, and highly durable.
Conclusion
An autoclave is an excellent option for sterilizing items in hospitals and labs. This article explains thoroughly how does an autoclave works. It heats water to produce steam which increases the temperature inside the chamber. In the chamber, certain items will be inserted for sterilization. In high heat, the microorganisms will die, and the materials will be sterilized.
