China Table Top Autoclave Class N Series 18/24L Autoclave In Hospital

How to use autoclave sterilizer in hospital or lab

Autoclave sterilizers play a pivotal role in maintaining a hygienic and safe environment within hospitals and laboratories. 

1. Wear Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

• Lab Coat
• Eye Protection
• Closed-Toe Shoes
• Heat-resistant gloves (especially for handling hot glassware)

2. Packaging and Loading:

• Designated individuals should set and/or change autoclave parameters.
• Before use, check for items left by the previous user that may pose a hazard.
• Clean the drain strainer before loading.
• Place items in a secondary container.
• Avoid overloading or packing bags too tightly; allow sufficient room for steam circulation.
• Use only autoclavable bags for waste packaging.
• Ensure bags do not touch interior walls to prevent plastic melting.
• Pack autoclave bags with sufficient liquid if dry.
• Soiled glassware in secondary containers should be autoclaved in the solids cycle.
• For clean glassware and wrapped instruments, use a secondary container in the wrapped goods cycle.
• Use polypropylene, polycarbonate, or stainless steel autoclave trays for secondary containment.

3. Selecting the Cycle:

• Choose the appropriate cycle for the material to avoid damaging the autoclave or causing the liquid overflow.
• Start the cycle and fill out the autoclave user log; completion typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours.
• Check the chamber/jacket pressure gauge for a minimum of 20 psi.
• Close and lock the door.
• Monitor temperature, aiming for 250⁰F (121⁰C) every load.

4. Unloading:

• Ensure the cycle has been completed and temperature/pressure has returned to a safe range.
• Wear the aforementioned PPE, plus an apron and face shield if handling liquids.
• Open the door no more than 1 inch to release residual steam and normalize pressure within liquids and containers.
• Let the autoclaved load stand for 10 minutes to allow steam to clear and trapped air to escape.
• Place liquids in a designated area marked as "hot" until they cool to room temperature.
• Allow autoclaved materials to cool before transporting; never transport superheated materials.
• Dispose of autoclaved biohazard bags into a regulated medical waste box; infectious liquids can be disposed of into the sanitary sewer.

Do not open the door while the autoclave is operating.

Do not agitate containers of super-heated liquids or remove caps before unloading.

Ensure bags do not touch interior walls to prevent plastic melting.

By adhering to these guidelines, you ensure the effective and safe use of the autoclave sterilizer in hospital or laboratory