Robert M. Rioux & Zhifeng Chen, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
Autoclaving is one of the most commonly used methods in the laboratory for the purpose of decontamination. The most common items decontaminated with an autoclave are those that contact biological samples (typically those containing microorganisms). An autoclave works by utilizing pressurized high temperature steam to kill microorganisms present in the loaded materials. Sufficient steam flow and heat transfer are essential for highly efficient autoclaving, which are the key principles to consider when packaging materials. Safety needs to be considered when working with an autoclave due to the high pressure and temperature employed therein, which also sets limits on which materials are compatible and may necessitate special attention when packaging, loading, and unloading materials.
Autoclaving utilizes high temperature (121 °C), high pressure steam (at least 15 psi) for at least 30 minutes to achieve decontamination. It kills microorganisms by dehydrating the cell under severe conditions. The rate of exhaust depends on the nature of the load. For dry solid materials, a fast exhaust cycle can be reached. However, liquid and biological waste require slow exhaust cycles to avoid boiling over super-heated liquids. Indicator tapes are often used to validate the effectiveness of autoclaving. The indicators work by using heat sensitive chemical markings to see if the autoclave meets the temperature requirements (121 °C). An indicator tape’s color changing implies an effective autoclaving, whereas no color change indicates load is not decontaminated. However, don’t use the indicator tape as the only source for evidence of decontamination, since the tape won’t reflect whether the microorganisms are killed or not, but only if the autoclave meets the temperature requirements. The working conditions also set limits on which materials are suitable and which pose safety concerns. In principle, avoid any materials that easily burn, melt, or explode under high temperature and pressure conditions. Take care when loading and unloading autoclaves to avoid burns by steam or hot water. To achieve sufficient decontamination, make sure there is enough heat transfer and flow within the autoclaves, bags, and materials when packaging.
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
3. Load Material
4. Operation of Autoclave
5. Unloading of Autoclaved Material(s)
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!
Compared to chemical or radiation decontamination methods, autoclaving represents the most economic and practical method in the laboratory. However, to ensure safety (avoiding melting, heat burns, or explosion), identify autoclave-compatible materials and practice proper packaging, loading, and unloading. Ensuring sufficient decontamination efficiency requires container or bag materials and enough space between materials within the autoclave. Maintenance and inspection of the autoclave on a regular schedule are required to ensure autoclaves are operating properly.
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!
