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Auto Clave Lab Manual
Auto Clave Lab Manual
For
Autoclave
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Autoclave (Vertical)
Experiment:
To study the Autoclave and study its different parts
Theory:
This process involving heating in an autoclave with
saturated steam under pressure should be used whenever
possible for aqueous preparations and for surgical
materials. An aqueous product which is to be sterilized by
this method is distributed into suitable containers which
are then sealed so as to exclude micro-organisms. It is than
exposed to saturated steam for a time sufficient to ensure
that the entire contents of each container are maintained
for an effective combination of time and temperature to
ensure sterility. The following combinations of temperature
and time are normally employed.
Working:
Autoclave is a strong metallic chamber usually made up of
stainless-steel. The material to be sterilized is packed in a
clean fabric cloth and is placed in perforated chamber of an
autoclave. The water level is checked so that it should not
touch the bottom perforated metallic chamber. The lid is
closed with the help of nuts and bolts. Autoclave is
switched on and water is allowed to boil. Remove the
trapped air. Steam vent is then closed and pressure is
allowed to rise up to 15 lb/sq inch and at this pressure
saturated steam has a temperature of about 121 oC. The
pressure is maintained for 30 min. the autoclave is switch
off allowed to cool, remove the steam and open it.
Applications:
This method is used to sterilize bulk solutions, glassware,
surgical dressings, rubber gloves, culture media and
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surgical instruments are efficiently sterilized by this
method. Solutions packed in sealed containers such as
SVP, LVP can be sterilize by this method.
Disadvantages:
1. It requires high temperature and moisture, unsuitable
for thermo labile substances.
2. This method cannot be used for oily injections, fats,
powders, ointments because steam cannot penetrate
them.
3. Moist medicaments, rubber and plastic articles are
destroyed by this method.
4. Preparations containing water, alcohol or other volatile
substances cannot be sterilized by this method.
5. It is unsuitable for surgical dressings