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-point. […] 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
7.10.24 Top 10 Surgery Center Architecture Firms → Building a new ambulatory surgery center (ASC) from the ground up is no simple task. From choosing the right location and setting budgets to drawing up building plans and managing construction, there are many moving pieces to keep track of. As a more specialized project, there are certain parameters that must be met to ensure […]
6.28.24 What Are Biological Indicators (Spore Tests)? → What Is a Biological Indicator & How Does It Work? A biological indicator is a test system that’s embedded within a process challenge device (PCD) and used to verify the efficacy of certain sterilization processes — such as those that rely on sterilizing agents like steam and vaporized hydrogen peroxide. Biological indicators are also commonly […]
5.2.24 The Top 8 Hospital Sterilization Cycles for CSSDs & SPDs → Central sterile supply departments (CSSDs) and sterile processing departments (SPDs) play an integral role in hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), ensuring surgical instruments, medical devices, and other essential equipment are sterilized and ready for use. From cleaning and decontamination to storage and distribution, CSSDs and SPDs maintain rigorous processes to maintain the highest standards […]