AUTOCLAVE

A heavy vessel ,usually of steel able to withstand high temperatures at 121 C for around 1520 minutes depending on the size of the load and the contents and pressure for conducting chemical reactions. Autoclaves come in different shapes and sizes, from chambers big enough to walk into, to refrigerator- and oven-sized ones, to stovetop units that look like big stockpots. The chemical industry uses various types of autoclaves in manufacturing dyes and in other chemical reactions requiring high pressures. In bacteriology and medicine, instruments, equipment, supplies, and culture media are sterilized by superheated steam in an autoclave.

Types of Autoclaves
There are several types of autoclave in use.

-Downward Displacement -Positive Pressure Displacement -Negative Pressure Displacement -Triple Vacuum Autoclave -Type "N" vs. Type "B"

-Downward Displacement:
The downward displacement autoclave is also referred to as a gravity displacement unit. This is because of the method of air removal in the sterilization chamber. A heating element is submerged in a pool of water, which, when heated, becomes steam. As steam is lighter than air, it forces the air in the sterilization chamber downward and out through a drain hole. Once the temperature in the sterilization chamber is sufficient, the drain hole is closed automatically and the sterilization process begins.

-Positive Pressure Displacement:

A positive pressure displacement autoclave is an improvement upon the design of a downward displacement unit. Steam is created in a second, separate chamber and held until the proper amount to displace all of the air in the sterilization chamber is accumulated. The steam is then released into the sterilization chamber in a pressurized blast, forcing the air out through the drain hole and starting the sterilization process. This has the effect of a more accurate displacement of air than a downward displacement unit can achieve.

-Negative Pressure Displacement:

A negative pressure displacement autoclave is one of the most accurate types of unit available. Once the sterilization chamber door is closed, a vacuum pump removes the air. Steam is created in a second, separate chamber. Once the air has been completely removed from the sterilization chamber, the steam is then released into the sterilization chamber in a pressurized blast much like that of a positive pressure displacement unit. The negative

pressure displacement unit is able to achieve a high "Sterility Assurance Level" (SAL), but the system can be quite large and costly.

-Triple Vacuum Autoclave:

A triple vacuum autoclave is set up in a similar fashion to a negative pressure displacement unit in that there is a vacuum pump to remove air from the sterilization chamber and steam is created in a second, separate chamber or unit. The process begins by the vacuum removing the air, then a pulse of steam. This is repeated three times, hence the name "triple vacuum" autoclave. This type of autoclave is suitable for all types of instruments and is very versatile.

-Type "N" vs. Type "B":

Each autoclave can be classified as a type "N" unit or a type "B" unit. Type "N" units do not use a vacuum to remove air from the sterilization chamber, whereas type "B" units do use a vacuum pump. The difference in operation means type "N" autoclaves are suitable for a specific type of load--for solid, unwrapped instruments. Type "B" autoclaves can be used on wrapped and hollow instruments, which means a piece of equipment can be sterilized now for use later.

USES OF AUTOCLAVE
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Autoclaves in Biomedicine and Scientific Research Autoclaves in Waste Disposal Autoclaves in Cooking Autoclaves for Home Canning Other Uses for Pressure Cookers

Autoclave in Biomedicine & Scientific Research:

The steam pressure generated by an autoclave is used to sterilize equipment such as surgical tools and lab gear. Metal and glass can be placed inside the autoclave. Plastic materials will likely deteriorate in an autoclave. Single-use syringes, for instance, which are part plastic and part metal, are not suitable for autoclaves.

Autoclaves in Waste Disposal:

Autoclaves are also used to treat bio-hazardous and solid wastes before disposal. Biohazardous items may be autoclaved to rid them of pathogens like viruses or fungi.

Autoclaves in Cooking:

An autoclave in cooking is better known as a pressure cooker. It is primarily to reduce the cooking time necessary to prepare certain foods like meats etc. Pressure cookers utilize the same technology as autoclaves, but unlike the devices used in the medical field, they can be of different sizes to fit on top of a stove or even a campfire.

Autoclaves for Home Canning:

Pressure canners are another type of autoclave used to sterilize food in the canning process.

Other Uses for Pressure Cookers:

Just like the autoclaves in the medical fields, pressure cookers can be used to sterilize such things as glass baby bottles or tools used in cooking.

WORKING OF AUTOCLAVE:

Close drain valve.

Pour 4 L (1 gallon) of hot water into the bottom of autoclave. Fill to the bottom of the lip as shown.

Load material to be autoclaved, following the appropriate protocol for type of material being sterilized .

Close door, latch securely by pressing down firmly.

Select appropriate exhaust: slow for watercontaining materials, fast for apparatus.

Select the time of treatment (15 minutes for small volumes. For containers containing volumes over 1 liter: 30 minutes, over a gallon: 60 minutes.) This begins the cycle.

When the pressure is 1 atmosphere (15 pounds) and the temperature is 121 C, the timer begins to time the process.

After sterilization, when pressure has returned to zero, open up the door with care--the steam will burn your hands or wrists if they are above the door. Remove hot items with the aid of gloves, pour out any melted contaminated agar immediately and rinse glassware in hot water.

Open drain valve to empty water in bottom of autoclave (make sure drain is in proper position).

BUSHRA ZEHRA
MICROBIOLOGY PHARM.D 2 YEAR 2 SESSION
ND ND

DR. SADAF NIAZI

AUTOCLAVE