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Frequently Asked Questions

How do autoclaves sterilize glassware?

Autoclaves rely on steam, pressure, temperature and time to sterilize glassware — similar to how a pressure cooker works. During sterilization cycles, the air within an autoclave’s chamber is replaced by heated steam, which is pressurized until the load is sufficiently sterilized.

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How frequently should glassware be autoclaved?

While specific frequency requirements will depend on your lab’s processes and protocols, most laboratories sterilize their glassware after each use. This ensures that items are free from harmful agents before reuse, minimizing the risk of cross-contamination.

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What autoclaving cycle is best for glassware?

When autoclaving empty glassware, pre-vacuum cycles will save time. Simple gravity cycles are also commonly used and are a sufficient means of sterilizing glass items.

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What type of autoclave do I need to sterilize soil samples?

To successfully sterilize soil, you will need an autoclave that’s capable of running vacuum cycles with pre- and post-vacuum phases. Pre-cycle vacuum functionality is the most critical factor to consider when selecting an autoclave for soil processing. Soil can form air pockets, so a series of pre-cycle vacuum pulses will ensure that steam is able […]

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When sterilizing soil, how should I load the autoclave?

When autoclaving soil, it’s important to properly load and space out samples. A layer of soil greater than four inches in depth or soil packed extremely tightly into containers can retain air and inhibit proper sterilization. If you’re sterilizing soil in trays with drainage holes, secondary containment is also critical. Otherwise, soil may flow out […]

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Why is steam preferable to other forms of soil sterilization?

Autoclaving is generally the sterilization method of choice for laboratory applications, which only sterilize a small volume of soil at a given time. Conceptually, steam sterilization works the same as open field or greenhouse sterilization, in that it uses heat to kill off microbials and other contaminants. However, autoclaves can achieve higher temperatures at a […]

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What type of autoclave do I need to sterilize surgical equipment?

The materials you intend to sterilize will dictate what type of autoclave you need. For example, complex loads such as wrapped instruments, porous materials, and red bagged waste products will likely require a Class B sterilizer with vacuum functionality.

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Can all surgical equipment be sterilized in an autoclave?

Only autoclave-safe items can be sterilized using an autoclave. Our autoclaves are capable of sterilizing a wide variety of critical, semi-critical, and noncritical items, including (but not limited to): surgical instruments, hypodermic needles, implanted devices, endoscopes, stethoscopes, and medical waste.

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How does an autoclave sterilize surgical instruments?

Autoclaves use extreme heat in the form of pressurized steam to sterilize goods. Similar to a pressure cooker, an autoclave uses a locked door to create a sealed chamber. The air within that chamber is then replaced by steam, which is pressurized until the goods within the chamber have been sufficiently sterilized.

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What is a laboratory autoclave?

A laboratory autoclave — also known as a steam sterilizer — is a sophisticated piece of equipment designed to use steam heat to kill any microbial life that may be present on a contaminated load. Autoclaves are considered essential equipment in almost any laboratory setting because they prevent the spread of foreign and sometimes harmful […]

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10.21.24

photo of a white surgery room with equipment

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

image of worked pullin g items out of an autoclave

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

blue and black illustration abstract of sterilizer shapes

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 […]

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