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Frequently Asked Questions

What liquids should not be autoclaved?

Liquids in sealed containers, flammable or reactive chemicals, seawater, radioactive liquids, acids and bases, or any solutions that contain chlorine or bleach are not safe to sterilize in an autoclave. Before placing any load in an autoclave, consult the manufacturer’s instructions for use to ensure material compatibility.

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How can I prevent boil-over?

To prevent boil-over during the exhaust phase, release chamber pressure slowly.  This process is controlled by the sterilizer’s control system. Controlling the exhaust rate allows the liquid load to cool off as the surrounding chamber pressure decreases.

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I still have growth in my liquid media after autoclaving. What’s wrong?

It’s important to set the proper sterilization time for your given volume of liquid. Refer to this page for more information on autoclaving liquids.

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Can culture media be autoclaved?

Yes. Most types of culture media — including both agar-based and liquid formulations — can be safely autoclaved. However, it’s important to use the correct cycle parameters, such as a liquid cycle with a slow exhaust phase, to prevent boil-over and maintain media integrity.

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Does all culture media need to be sterilized before use?

Culture media must be sterilized in nearly all research, clinical, and industrial settings before use to eliminate any unwanted microbial contaminants. Pre-purchased media may arrive sterile, but media prepared in-house or stored in non-sterile conditions must always be sterilized or filtered prior to use.

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How do you sterilize culture media and solutions?

It’s common to autoclave culture media and solutions using a liquid cycle. This cycle applies high-pressure saturated steam for a specified time and includes a slow exhaust phase to reduce the risk of boil-over. Media should be placed in autoclavable containers and loosely capped to allow for proper steam penetration and pressure equalization. All liquids […]

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How do I choose a lab water purification system?

When choosing a lab water purification system, consider what type of steam generator you have, what level of water purity your application needs, your daily throughput, the footprint of your facility, and any compliance requirements you’re subject to. Note that if you have a carbon steel generator, you’ll need RO water. Stainless steel generators require […]

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Can you autoclave plastics?

Yes. Many types of plastics can be autoclaved, provided they are specifically labeled as autoclave-safe. Common autoclavable plastics include polypropylene, polycarbonate, and polysulfone, all of which can withstand typical sterilization temperatures without melting or degrading. Autoclavable plastics rated as such and will list a maximum allowable temperature.

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What’s the difference between the WPS-1200 and SterilSource?

The WPS-1200 is a floor-standing RO or DI system with a storage tank for laboratory sterilizers, whereas SterilSource is a compact, wall-mounted system that supports higher on-demand output with an optional ST108 configuration for high-throughput healthcare processing. The WPS-1200 covers most lab autoclaves and general lab water needs. The SterilSource system is a better option […]

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What sterilization method is suitable for plastic items?

Steam sterilization is the most widely used — and preferred — method for sterilizing plastics in laboratory and healthcare settings. It offers rapid microbial inactivation but must be carefully controlled to avoid damaging heat-sensitive materials.

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CSS News & Events

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5.29.26

Protect Your Sterilizer & Keep Your OR Running With SterilSource →

For sterile processing teams at healthcare facilities, providing purified water for their autoclave has historically meant accepting tradeoffs around floor space, budget, and throughput. Ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) and other, smaller healthcare facilities have felt this most acutely, with many having to choose between installing a bulky reverse osmosis (RO) system that takes up significant […]

5.28.26

Consolidated Sterilizer Systems Introduces SterilSource, a Premium Water Purification System for Healthcare Facilities and Life Science Labs →

May 2026, Billerica, MA — Consolidated Sterilizer Systems is proud to announce the launch of SterilSource, a compact wall-mounted water purification system designed to meet the demanding water quality regulatory requirements of healthcare and life science environments. SterilSource is available in three configurations, offering scalable water treatment solutions from basic mineral and contaminant removal to […]

5.14.26

Consolidated Selected as Small Business Manufacturer by the University of California

Consolidated Selected as Small Business Manufacturer by the University of California →

What Set Us Apart Throughout the RFP process, Consolidated stood out for our: Relationship with UC, which predates this agreement, with many campuses already standardized on our autoclaves Low cost of ownership through non-proprietary parts and third-party service models, including local service Built-in water- and energy-saving features Support for both in-house and generator steam Custom […]
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