Laboratory Series: Autoclaves and Sterilizers

During any laboratory testing, sanitation is a critical component to ensuring the accuracy of the results you are wanting to achieve. All the equipment used must be properly sterilized and cleaned prior to any new applications. This is achieved through a piece of equipment called an autoclave.  It combines pressure and steam to reach the temperatures necessary to kill and remove any biological agents that may still be on the equipment. Autoclaves are a common sight in most laboratories, but still have associated hazards and warnings. The awareness of how to properly set up, manage and maintain an autoclave is critical to working safely.