Autoclaving Liquids: Ensure Sterility, Avoid the Burn

Written by: Scott Mechler

There are a number of concepts to be aware of when autoclaving liquid loads. We’ve covered the basics of liquid sterilization in this previous post, as well as challenges related to liquid boil-over. Many labs still struggle to achieve the correct balance between reliable sterility and damage to their products when it comes to liquid […]

CSS’ New Healthcare Autoclaves Are Full of Exciting Features

Written by: Scott Mechler

As of August 2, 2022, Consolidated Sterilizer Systems’ new line of healthcare steam sterilizers have received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration — and we couldn’t be more excited. Designed and manufactured specifically for use in healthcare facilities, including hospital and ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs), our healthcare autoclaves (Consolidated HC Steam Sterilizer models […]

Autoclaves for Mushroom Cultivation

Written by: Scott Mechler

For mushroom growers, contamination from trichoderma, bacteria, mold, and more all pose a risk to your crop. Some of the leading causes of contamination are airborne contaminants and contamination from incorrectly sterilized or improperly pasteurized tools, substrates, and/or cultivators. One of the most effective ways for mycologists to avoid mushroom contamination is to establish a […]

Beginner’s Guide to Autoclaving Soil

Beginner’s Guide to Autoclaving Soil

Written by: Scott Mechler

Autoclaving soil is a laboratory technique used to eliminate microorganisms from soil and is often an important step in any agricultural research process. Here’s how it’s done. How to Sterilize Soil Using an Autoclave When sterilizing soil in an autoclave, the most important factor to consider is steam’s ability to fully penetrate the soil and […]

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Autoclave Wall Seal Options, Explained

Written by: Scott Mechler

Though less flashy than other parts, the wall seal around a pass-thru (double door) sterilizer s one of the most essential components of apass-thru autoclave’s design. That’s because this seal creates a barrier between the contained room and non-contained room (or clean room vs dirty room) thereby preventing any possible contaminants from escaping the room. […]

Your Go-To Guide for Autoclave Safety

Your Go-To Guide for Autoclave Safety [w/ Free Checklist!]

Written by: Scott Mechler

Autoclaves, also known as sterilizers, are designed to disinfect, decontaminate, and sterilize laboratory equipment using incredibly hot, pressurized steam. As a result, there are a number of potential risks associated with operating an autoclave, such as steam burns, hot fluid scalds, and hand and arm injuries when closing the autoclave door. In order to avoid […]

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7 Common Autoclave Problems You Should be Aware Of

Written by: Scott Mechler

In an ideal world, laboratory autoclaves would always work exactly as intended. Unfortunately, issues can and do arise — the key to resolving them is knowing what to look for. In this article, we’ll outline seven of the most common autoclave problems and how to identify them. 1. The sterilizer won’t reach the temperature set […]

Autoclave Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): How to Safely Operate an Autoclave (+SOP Template)

Written by: Scott Mechler

Autoclaves, also known as steam sterilizers, use pressurized steam to kill any microbial life that may be present on a contaminated item. For this reason, autoclaves are most commonly used in laboratories, hospital operating rooms and food production facilities in order to sterilize goods and instruments. Autoclaves are extremely powerful and can be a bit […]

Biosafety Level Guidance for COVID-19 Research

Written by: Scott Mechler

What biosafety level is required to handle samples and/or perform research containing the SARS-CoV-2 virus?  Read on for the latest recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Background A Biological Safety Level (BSL 1, 2, 3, or 4) is assigned to a biological lab as a safeguard to protect laboratory personnel, as well as […]