Dentsply Cavitron 30 K FSI 1000 autoclaved, sealed , ready for use

purpose and limitations of autoclaves, types of cycles, and procedures for safe and effective autoclaving.

Purpose

Autoclaving, sometimes called steam sterilization, is the use of pressurized steam to kill infectious agents and denature proteins. This kind of "wet heat" is considered the most dependable method of sterilizing laboratory equipment and decontaminating biohazardous waste.

Other decontamination methods—dry heat, ultraviolet or ionizing radiation, and liquid, gas, or vapor disinfection—are not a proper substitute for autoclaving or incineration before disposing of biohazardous material. Autoclaves do not remove chemical contamination.

Operating procedures

When used properly, autoclaves are safe and highly effective. Autoclaves use saturated steam under pressure of approximately 15 pounds per square inch to achieve a chamber temperature of at least 250°F (121°C) for a prescribed time—usually 30–60 minutes.

In addition to proper temperature and time, prevention of entrapment of air is critical to achieving sterility. Material to be sterilized must come in contact with steam and heat.