Autoclave Sterilization Process Guide by Autoclave Sterilization Equipment Manufacturers in India

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 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 are 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 liquid, plasticware, 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 recommend 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 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 the best quality and offered at affordable prices.

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Important Information You Should Know About Autoclaves

Autoclaves are true marvels of modern technology that continue to help the work of the medical industry each day. An autoclave is a pressure chamber.  It is also termed steam sterilizers or steam autoclave. A physical method is used in sterilization and disinfection. A functionality of steam sterilizers can be simple as compared to pressure cooker.

Applications of Autoclaves

  • In laboratories, it is applied to sterilize glassware, instruments, and media.
  • In medical laboratories, it is used for the sterilization of medical equipment, glassware, surgical equipment, and medical trash, and many more.
  • Autoclave also used to sterilize medical wastes which carry bacteria, viruses, and other biological materials.

Working Principal of an Autoclave

Autoclaves can also be used to take out all kinds of industrial processes and scientific experiments that work best at high heats and pressures.

All autoclaves work with a combination of steam, pressure, and time. They operate using principles similar to the common kitchen pressure cooker — that is, the door is locked to form a sealed chamber, and all air within that chamber is replaced by steam. The steam is then pressurized to bring it to the desired sterilization for the desired duration.

Let’s explain the autoclave working by three phases of a sterilization cycle:

  1. Purge phase: In this phase, steam displaces air within the autoclave chamber and both temperature and pressure begin to increases
  2. Sterilization phase: In this phase autoclaves, harsh conditions destroy bacteria, spores, and other pathogens.
  3. Exhaust phase: pressure is released from the chamber, the temperature remains high.

Operating Procedures of Autoclaves:

  • Firstly set the material within the autoclave which is required to sterilize.
  • Then seal the lid and make it airtight by tightening the screws and after that switched on the autoclave.
  • Now, set the safety valves to sustain the required pressure
  • Once the water inside the chamber boils, the air-water mixture is allowed to escape through the discharge tube to make all the air inside be displaced.
  • The whole displacement can be ensured once the water bubbles stop coming out from the pipe.
  • Then close the drainage pipe and let the steam reach the desired levels
  • Once the pressure is reached, the whistle blows to remove excess pressure from the chamber.
  • Allow the whistle to hold the autoclave for 15 minutes, this is known as the holding period.
  • Now, the autoclave is switched off and allows it to cool till the pressure gauge shows the pressure inside has dropped down to that of the atmospheric pressure.
  • Eventually, the lid is opened and the material is come out from the chamber

Ideal Temperature Time for Autoclave Sterilization

For autoclave sterilization, the most common temperature is 121°C, however, many autoclaves provide cycles at higher temperatures. If heavy objects are being sterilized, heat transfer to the interior should be slow, and the heating time needs to be sufficiently long so that the object is at 121°C for 15 min. Extended times are also required when large volumes of liquids are being autoclaved as large volumes take longer to reach sterilization temperature.

Thymol Autoclave, India, leading autoclaves manufacturing company in India supplies the Best quality Autoclaves. The firm is using qualitative stainless steel to manufacture autoclave which is known for its durability and superior performance and Available in various sizes and capacities. From general sterilization applications to special sterilization needs, our autoclave (apparatus) delivers safe results while offering simple operations.

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