Autoclave Directions

Health care and research professionals rely on autoclaves as a safe and reliable method of sterilizing reusable items such as tools, instruments, beakers and test tubes. Autoclaves can also be used to sterilize medical waste in preparation for disposal. Autoclaves combine a vacuum with high-temperature steam to destroy biological material in a short-period of time. Achieving complete sterilization requires a clear understanding of the procedures for autoclave use.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Autoclave indicator labels or bags
• Thermal protective gloves, apron and face shield

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Instructions

Preparing the Autoclave

• 1

  Remove the strainer from the autoclave. Clean the strainer by rinsing in water and remove any items that have been left behind by previous users.

• 2

  Load the autoclave with items to be sterilized. Place solid items in autoclave bags. Use autoclave trays for any sharp items.

• 3

  Add enough water to bags containing solids to cover the item being autoclaved. Place autoclave labels on all items not in bags. Insert a metal drip tray underneath the items to catch any spills.

Activating the Autoclave and Removing Items

• 4

  Close the autoclave door. Set the autoclave for the exposure time and temperature specified by the autoclave manual. This is typically a temperature above 250 degrees Fahrenheit and a time of at least 15 minutes.

• 5

  Choose a processing cycle based on the type of materials being sterilized. Refer to your autoclave manual; cycles vary between autoclaves.

• 6

  Put on thermal protective gloves, apron and face shield at the end of the autoclave cycle. Remove items and ensure that autoclave indicators have been activated.

• 7

  Dispose of liquids and autoclave bags using normal waste stream methods. Clean all autoclave traps and filters by removing any solid waste and flushing with water.