Directions on How to Operate an Autoclave

Autoclaves are used by health care professionals and by scientists. They create high pressure and temperatures to kill all bacteria and other single cell organisms. This sterilizes everything in in the autoclave. Autoclaves are not difficult to operate, but you do need to know a few things about them before you use one. There are different kinds of autoclaves, but they all have a few things in common.

Things You'll Need

• Autoclave bags

Instructions

1. Inspect your autoclave to ensure that there is nothing in it. Autoclaves are often shared by many users.

2. Place materials to be sterilized into autoclave bags. Remove the caps from bottles. Place the autoclave bags into the drip pan.

3. Pour water into the bottom of your autoclave. Refer to your autoclave's owners manual to determine how much water must be used.

4. Place the drip pan into the autoclave. Seal the autoclave and then turn it on. Monitor the autoclave while it is in use. Once you have the autoclave up to a safe, and maximum temperature, turn it down a little to maintain this temperature for 45 minutes.

5. Turn the unit off and allow the autoclave to cool off for a couple of hours. After the pressure has depleted and the temperature has cooled, it is safe to open the autoclave.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear heatproof gloves when handling an autoclave.

• Always monitor your autoclave when it is in use. Be ready to pull the pressure release valve if the pressure becomes too great.

References

• Fullerton: Autoclaves
• University of Melbourne: Autoclaving Instructions.