Proper Use of Autoclaves
Robert M. Rioux & Zhifeng Chen, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
Autoclaving is one of the most commonly used methods in the laborat…
1. Wear Proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The high pressure and temperature operating conditions encountered during autoclaving pose potential heat burn or explosion risks. Appropriate PPE includes a laboratory coat, safety glasses, heat resistant gloves, and closed-toe shoes; these must be worn when loading and unloading materials from the autoclave. When dealing with liquid samples, wear an apron and face shield as additional PPE.
2. Preparation of Materials to be Loaded
- Identify Autoclave Compatible Material and Autoclave Incompatible Material
Although autoclaving represents a commonly used and economic method for decontamination, not all materials are suitable for autoclaving due to the high pressure and temperature working conditions. In general, all materials that will evaporate or melt under the high-pressurized steam are not compatible with autoclaving. This includes materials like organic solvents, poorly heat resistant plastic such as polystyrene, polyethylene, and metals excluding stainless-steel. Never autoclave flammable, corrosive, toxic, reactive, or radioactive chemicals. Materials compatible for autoclaving include Pyrex or Type I borosilicate glass, polypropylene, polycarbonate, gloves, stainless steel, pipette tips, paper (put inside autoclave bags), and media solutions. - Packaging Material
After identifying autoclave-compatible materials, suitable packaging is also important since it ensures safety and efficient autoclaving. Here are the basic principles when packaging materials:- Always use a secondary container made of polypropylene or stainless steel.
- For liquid samples, fill the vial around ½ full and loosen the caps or use vented closures. Never fill the containers over 2/3 full with the cap fully tightened.
- Inspect the glass vessel to make sure there are no cracks. If cracks are identified, dispose of glassware in a proper receptacle. Never autoclave a known broken glass vessel.
- Always use autoclave-compatible bags to package waste. The bags should have indication tapes on it and should be opened at the ends before loading to allow steam inside the bag.
- Never overload the bags or container to allow sufficient steam flow for complete sterilization. Leave space between items.
- Don't mix incompatible materials.
- Never place sharp items in the waste bag.
3. Load Material
- Check the autoclave's interior to make sure there is no potential hazard left from the previous user.
- Clean the drain before loading materials to allow good circulation.
- Make sure the bags do not touch the interior walls of the autoclave to avoid melting.
- Liquids and dry materials require different cycles and need to be autoclaved separately.
- Close the door firmly.
4. Operation of Autoclave
- Only trained personnel should be allowed to operate autoclaves. Refer to the equipment manual if needed, since operation protocols vary among different autoclaves.
- After making sure the autoclave door is firmly closed, set the autoclaving temperature to 121 °C and maintain a pressure of at least 15 psi.
- To set the autoclave time and cycle, the following factors need to be considered:
- Equipment recommendations from the manufacturer's manual.
- The type of loaded materials inside: dry or liquid.
- The amounts of material(s) loaded.
- Shape and size of container used.
- Heat conductivity of container and materials.
- Purpose of decontamination.
5. Unloading of Autoclaved Material(s)
- Wear proper PPE as described above.
- Make sure the temperature and pressure of the autoclave have returned to a safe range.
- Stand behind the door and carefully open the door to release any leftover steam inside the autoclave into the room.
- Allow the materials inside the autoclave to stand for 10 min to release any steam or hot air trapped inside the material.
- Do not shake any liquid material while removing it from the autoclave. If necessary, label the material as hot to avoid heat burns to an individual who may be potentially unaware of the fact that the material has recently been autoclaved.
- Wait for the material to cool down to room temperature before transporting within the laboratory or outside the laboratory. In both instances, be sure to utilize appropriate containment for transporting.
- Record the details of the materials and autoclaving conditions in a user's log.
Autoclaving is one of the most commonly used methods in the laboratory for the purpose of decontamination.
Many scientists, in particular those working with biological samples, need sterilized equipment and media, and autoclaves provide a quick and economical way to decontaminate materials. They use steam at high temperatures and pressure to kill microorganisms. Due to these extreme conditions, though, they must be used carefully.
This video will illustrate how autoclaves work and how to use them correctly.
In an autoclave, materials are heated with steam to temperatures of 121 degrees Celsius at pressures of at least 15 p.s.i. After at least 30 minutes, these conditions will dehydrate and kill cells.
Autoclaves can sterilize both liquid and solid materials, but different operating settings have to be considered. Liquids require longer times than solids to exhaust the steam, in order to prevent flash boiling. Additionally, larger volumes of liquid materials take longer to heat up to the correct temperature.
Not all materials can withstand the temperatures inside an autoclave. Therefore, never autoclave anything that melts, burns, is explosive, or liquids that will evaporate. Also, do not autoclave toxic or radioactive chemicals.
Now, we will show you how to prepare samples for the autoclave and how to operate one.
First, select the materials you will be autoclaving and only use compatible containers and instruments. Pyrex, borosilicate glass, stainless steel, polypropylene, and polycarbonate can be used for autoclaving.
Other common lab materials such as pipette tips and boxes are also compatible. Paper can be autoclaved in autoclave-compatible bags.
Solid waste can also be autoclaved in an appropriate bag. Leave space in this bag to allow steam to circulate and tie up the ends. Lastly, before autoclaving make sure to create a small opening in the bag to allow steam to enter.
For aqueous media and other compatible liquid samples, use an intact container without any cracks. Fill the container about half full and never more than two-thirds full.
To ventilate gasses from a liquid container, loosen the cap. If there is no cap, cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent contamination of the autoclaved material.
Put all materials in a secondary container made of polypropylene or stainless steel. Separate solid and liquid materials to be autoclaved. Leave space between materials, and don't overfill the container.
Lastly, attach a piece of autoclave tape to all materials. This tape has temperature-sensitive indicators that will turn black if sufficient temperature has been reached.
When using an autoclave wear appropriate personal protective equipment to protect against the high temperature and pressure risks. This includes standard PPE-safety glasses, lab coats, and closed-toe shoes and heat-resistant gloves. Use an apron and face shield when handling liquid samples.
At the autoclave, first open the door and check for any hazards within. Load liquid and dry materials separately, as they require different autoclave cycles.
To prevent melting make sure materials do not touch the walls. Ensure a good flow of heat by keeping sufficient spacing between materials. Lastly, close and seal the door.
Different autoclaves have different operating instructions. Cycles may be set by manually setting the temperature and time, or by selecting from a preset list. In general, use the recommended cycles for the type of material you are decontaminating.
A variety of cycles exist for solids and liquids, as well as for different amounts of material and waste to be autoclaved. When you run a cycle, ensure that the temperature has reached at least 121 degrees Celsius and the pressure at least 15 p.s.i.
After the cycle is over, make sure the pressure has returned to zero and the autoclave has cooled down. Carefully open the door to let out leftover steam. Then, allow the materials to stand for 10 minutes to release any hot gasses. The autoclave tape should now have black stripes or say autoclaved on it, although this is not a guarantee that sterilization has taken place.
Wearing appropriate PPE, remove the materials, making sure to not shake any liquid samples. Note down your usage in the log, including the type of substances and any special circumstances if encountered. Finally, transport the materials to a secure area or a laminar flow hood to cool.
You've just watched JoVE's introduction to autoclaves. You should now understand what materials can be autoclaved, how to prepare them, and how to safely use the instrument. Thanks for watching!
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Q1: What temperature and pressure does an autoclave use to sterilize materials?
Autoclaves sterilize materials using pressurized steam at 121 degrees Celsius and at least 15 p.s.i. pressure. After a minimum of 30 minutes at these extreme conditions, the steam dehydrates and kills microorganisms present in the loaded materials, making autoclaving an economical decontamination method for laboratories.
Q2: Which materials are safe to autoclave in the laboratory?
Compatible autoclave materials include pyrex, borosilicate glass, stainless steel, polypropylene, and polycarbonate. Pipette tips, boxes, and paper in autoclave-compatible bags are also safe. Never autoclave items that melt, burn, are explosive, or contain liquids that evaporate, toxic chemicals, or radioactive substances.
Q3: Why do liquids require different autoclave settings than solids?
Liquids require longer autoclave cycles than solids to safely exhaust steam and prevent flash boiling. Larger volumes of liquid materials also take longer to reach the correct temperature throughout. Proper spacing and ventilation in the secondary container ensure adequate steam circulation and uniform heating of liquid samples.
Q4: How should you prepare liquid samples before autoclaving?
Fill compatible containers about half full, never exceeding two-thirds capacity. Loosen the cap or cover loosely with aluminum foil to allow gas ventilation. Place all materials in a secondary polypropylene or stainless steel container with adequate spacing. Attach autoclave tape to monitor temperature exposure during the sterilization cycle.
Q5: What personal protective equipment is required when operating an autoclave?
Wear standard lab PPE including safety glasses, lab coats, and closed-toe shoes. Heat-resistant gloves are essential for handling hot materials. When working with liquid samples, also use an apron and face shield to protect against high temperature and pressure hazards from steam exposure.
Q6: What steps should you follow after an autoclave cycle completes?
After the cycle ends, verify pressure has returned to zero and the autoclave has cooled. Carefully open the door to release leftover steam, then allow materials to stand for 10 minutes to release hot gases. Check that autoclave tape shows black stripes, remove materials wearing appropriate PPE, log your usage, and transport items to a secure area or laminar flow hood to cool.
Q7: How do you properly load materials into an autoclave chamber?
Load liquid and dry materials separately using different autoclave cycles. Ensure materials do not touch the chamber walls to prevent melting. Maintain sufficient spacing between items to allow good heat flow and steam circulation. Close and seal the door securely before starting the cycle to maintain proper pressure and temperature conditions.