Using an autoclave is the most effective method of sterilizing your medical instruments. It is also the only method approved by all federal regulatory agencies. But simply shoving your instruments in and waiting for the timer to go off won’t necessarily take care of sterilization. You must use your autoclave correctly if you want to fully sterilize your medical instruments.
An autoclave uses pressurized steam to kill bacteria and spores that contaminate your instruments. Intense pressure is exerted on the water inside the chamber, 15 pounds per square inch, and that pressure raises the boiling point of the water. The autoclave then heats the water to its new boiling point, which is hot enough to kill those contaminants. Your instruments must be exposed to pressurized steam for a minimum of 15 minutes for sterilization to occur.
Drain and refill the water reservoir – If the tank has not yet been emptied, turn the knob that opens the valve and let the water flow out. Then return the valve to the closed position.
Add water to the tank. – Inside the chamber you will find the water tank. Fill it to the indicated level with distilled water.
Loading the autoclave – Leave space between the items you are sterilizing so that nothing touches. Bottles containing liquids should have lids that do not fit tightly and, when placing instruments inside the bags, seal the bags loosely so that pressurized vapor can enter and contact all surfaces inside the bag. Never overload your autoclave. It’s better to run multiple loads than try to fit everything in at once.
Close and seal the chamber. – Before turning on the machine, always close and hermetically seal the chamber door, both as a safety measure and to prevent steam from escaping during the cycle.
Wait until the cycle ends. – It is never a good idea to open the bedroom door in the middle of a cycle. Remember, you are dealing with pressurized steam and it is heated well above the standard boiling point. Always wait until the cycle is finished and the autoclave has cooled down before opening the door.
Be careful – When removing your sterilized equipment, you must wear sterilized heat-resistant gloves. Rinse glassware with hot water.
empty the tank – Once you have removed all your equipment, open the valve, drain the water reservoir and close the valve again so your autoclave is ready for the next cycle. Stagnant water in an unsealed autoclave can become a breeding ground for bacteria. It’s also a good idea to clean the inside of the chamber and the door seal after each use.
You are using an autoclave for a specific purpose: to kill bacteria and spores that may be contaminating the surface of your instruments. Use your autoclave correctly to ensure your equipment is fully sterilized.