Autoclaves

A device used to sterilize equipment and supplies by subjecting them to high pressure saturated steam.

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A typical laboratory autoclave

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MedlinePlus
eMedicine
Inventor(s)	Charles Chamberland
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An autoclave is a device that uses steam to sterilize equipment and other objects. This means that all bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores are inactivated. Autoclaves are used in medical applications to perform sterilization and in the chemical industry to cure coatings and vulcanize rubber and for hydrothermal synthesis. They are also used in industrial applications, especially regarding composites.

History

The autoclave was invented by Charles Chamberland in 1879. Chamberland was a French microbiologist who worked with Louis Pasteur. The invention of the autoclave was a significant advancement in the field of microbiology and surgery, as it allowed for the sterilization of surgical instruments and other medical equipment.

Principle of Operation

Autoclaves operate on the principle of steam sterilization, which is a method of sterilization that uses saturated steam under pressure to achieve high temperatures. The high temperature and pressure effectively kill all microorganisms and spores.

Process

1. Loading: Items to be sterilized are placed inside the autoclave chamber. 2. Sealing: The chamber is sealed to ensure that no steam escapes. 3. Heating: Steam is introduced into the chamber, displacing the air and increasing the pressure and temperature. 4. Sterilization: The items are exposed to the steam at a specific temperature and pressure for a set period of time. 5. Cooling: After the sterilization cycle, the chamber is allowed to cool and depressurize. 6. Unloading: The sterilized items are removed from the autoclave.

Types of Autoclaves

There are several types of autoclaves, each designed for specific applications:

• Gravity Displacement Autoclaves: These are the most common type and work by displacing air with steam.
• Pre-vacuum Autoclaves: These remove air from the chamber before steam is introduced, allowing for more efficient sterilization.
• Steam-Flush Pressure-Pulse Autoclaves: These use repeated pulses of steam to remove air and achieve sterilization.

Applications

Autoclaves are used in various fields:

• Medical and Surgical: Sterilization of surgical instruments, laboratory equipment, and medical waste.
• Microbiology: Sterilization of culture media, glassware, and other laboratory items.
• Industrial: Curing of composites, vulcanization of rubber, and other manufacturing processes.

Safety and Maintenance

Autoclaves must be regularly maintained to ensure they operate safely and effectively. This includes regular inspections, testing of safety valves, and calibration of temperature and pressure gauges.

Also see

• Sterilization (microbiology)
• Charles Chamberland
• Steam sterilization
• Microbiology
• Surgical instrument