Steam autoclave is considered as the safest sterilization method
. It only exposes the items to extreme heat, humidity, and pressure. This process can take 10 to 60 minutes. In the chamber, the steam can reach 121-148 degree Celsius. The period of sterilization process may depend on the temperature and the items being processed.
The microorganisms are killed by the extreme heat of steam autoclave. It is also accelerated by the moisture inside the chamber. The steam is actually not enough for sterilization but, the pressure can increase the temperature and destroy the microorganisms. Any microorganism will be killed at 120C saturated steam within 15 minutes. The time needed might decrease as the temperature increase. Minimum temperature and time must be maintained and watched to ensure the effectiveness of sterilization process.
Steam autoclave sterilizer is widely used by surgeons because the surgical instruments are usually designed to stand the sterilization method of steam autoclave. This method cannot be used to sterilize heat sensitive items.
There are things to remember about steam autoclave. These steps will help your sterilizer to work efficiently.
1. Use distilled water to fill the reservoir.
2. Clean the steam line filter regularly.
3. Clean the chamber walls at least once in a week.
If you are cleaning the inside chamber you have to do these steps.
1. Turn off the machine and let it cool.
2. Remove racks and trays.
3. Clean the leftover using towel.
4. Brush the chamber suing nylon brush to remove all the residues.
5. Clean the inside door using moist towel.
For the packaging steps you can follow this instruction.
1. Use labels only for hazardous wastes.
2. Do not pack sharps inside autoclave bags. Stainless steel or metallic pans are the best choice.
3. If you are autoclaving liquids, fill only half or less into the container in order to prevent spills. Use containers made of heat-resistant materials only to prevent cracks.
4. Put solid waste inside autoclave bags. Do not forget to add some water because all the water will be converted into steam and clear out the air inside the bag.
