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 […] Tweet Like Share
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 […] Tweet Like Share
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 […] Tweet Like Share
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 […] Tweet Like Share
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. […] Tweet Like Share
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 […] Tweet Like Share
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 […] Tweet Like Share
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 […] Tweet Like Share
Decontamination, Disinfection & Sterilization: What You Need to Know Written by: Scott Mechler Written by Scott Mechler with Support from Amit Gupta. With news relating to the COVID-19 pandemic reaching a fever pitch, there’s been increased attention on what we as individuals and organizations can do to prevent transmitting the virus, which can last on surfaces anywhere from several hours to several days. As a result, deep-cleaning services […] Tweet Like Share
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 […] Tweet Like Share
10.21.24 How to Start an Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) → If you’re a physician who’s considering opening their own ambulatory surgery center (ASC), you’re in good company. MCG Health reports that, of the 5,800 ASCs on record in the U.S. in 2023, 95% were at least partially physician owned and 52% were solely physician owned. The incentives for physicians are clear: ASCs offer greater autonomy […]
10.15.24 The Different Types of Autoclaves [& How to Choose the Right One] → Steam sterilizers — also known as autoclaves — are an essential piece of equipment in any laboratory, research, or healthcare setting, ensuring sterility for important equipment and instruments. Autoclaves are available in a wide array of designs, each tailored for specific applications, ranging from small-scale laboratory sterilization to large-volume industrial processes. Choosing the right autoclave […]
9.30.24 Horizontal vs. Vertical Autoclaves: 6 Key Differences and Benefits → If you’re looking for a new autoclave for your facility, chances are you’ve considered several options during your search for the right one. When it comes to the question of whether a vertical or horizontal autoclave is the right fit for your lab or medical facility, understanding their key differences is crucial. To help you […]
