Autoclave is one of the required equipment in most medical centers. The autoclave is used to sterilize equipment and performs sterilization operations based on pressure and temperature. The important thing about using an autoclave is that only some medical equipment can be placed inside the autoclave because most of the medical equipment is sensitive to high pressure and temperature. There are different types of autoclaves that you will be familiar with.
Autoclave means a self-locking device for sterilizing materials by pressurized steam. Considering the continuous use of medical tools and contamination of these tools due to use and contact with microbial substances, it is necessary to sterilize them. Autoclave is the best way to sterilize equipment. This method of sterilization destroys all germs, both normal and spores, and its duration is different for metal and cloth items.
How the autoclave works
Autoclaves are generally pressure regulated. For example, in pure steam (saturation degree 0.8 to 1) with a pressure of 2 bar, the steam temperature should be 134 degrees Celsius. At the beginning of the sterilization process, the vacuum pump evacuates the air inside the chamber by creating suction, then steam enters the device. It is more difficult to sterilize devices made of porous materials such as textiles and packaged instruments where air is trapped, compared to other devices.At the time of evacuation, the air inside the chamber and the packages are drawn out, and generally, the longer the suction time, the more effective the replacement of steam will be. As the negative pressure inside the chamber increases, it becomes more difficult to remove the air; For this reason, automatic devices provide the possibility of pressure reduction (evacuation) and introduction of steam in several stages. In this method, the steam alternately replaces the air and has a higher efficiency than the discharge alone.
Autoclave applications
In general, all non-infectious and infectious materials contaminated with biological agents, including the remains of inoculated culture medium samples, grown pathogens, human, animal and plant cells, materials contaminated with human or animal feces, human and animal blood products, etc. autoclaveSubstances such as carcinogenic drugs, radioisotopes, toxic chemicals, volatile chemicals, or any other hazardous substances that may vaporize and release due to heat cannot be autoclaved. In general, flammable, corrosive, toxic, or radioactive materials should not be autoclaved.
Features of autoclave suitable for hospitals
Fast cycles that make ready-to-sterilize equipment use in less time.
Easy to use for the operator
Increasing the investigation and monitoring of sterilization results to stabilize the documentation
Long life and low maintenance cost
Vacuum pump to move air at high speed
Having a standby mode due to the autoclave being preheated
Availability of all autoclave parts for service and maintenance
Appropriate and fast service
Having the necessary standards and approvals
Having a sterile program with time variation and temperature variation
Having a controller with calibration and high accuracy and receiving accurate results of sterilization
The possibility of installing a printer to complete the documentation of cycles with a separate temperature sensor
Ability to monitor temperature and pressure
Having a water level and temperature control system
Warning signs in case of out of sterile condition and interruption of sterile cycle
Chamber, wall with high durability
Having a door microswitch (if the door is open, the cycle will not start)
Having a temperature controller that interrupts the cycle if the temperature rises (above sterile conditions).
Having a safety valve that shuts off the system if the pressure rises (higher than sterile conditions).
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