Which items are suitable for autoclave sterilization

Autoclaves must not be used to sterilize materials that are destructive to them or hazardous chemicals. Otherwise, it may lead to explosions, corrosion of the instrument chamber, internal pipelines, and other accidents. Today, let’s share which items are suitable for autoclave sterilization.

I. Principle of High-Pressure Steam Sterilization

It utilizes the effect that high-temperature saturated water vapor can denature the proteins of microorganisms (including bacterial spores) within a certain period of time, leading to the death of microorganisms, so as to achieve the purpose of sterilizing moisture-resistant and heat-resistant items. This sterilization method has strong capability and is the most effective and widely used one among thermal sterilization methods.

High-pressure steam sterilization is suitable for the sterilization of medical devices, instruments, and items that are resistant to high pressure, high temperature, and moisture.

II. Common autoclave-compatible materials in laboratories

1.Stainless steel materials;

2.Metal medical devices;

3.Hospital dressing cloth packs;

4.Plastic pipette tips;

5.Glassware;

6.Enamel materials;

7.Latex gloves, vinyl (gloves);

8.Polypropylene (PP secondary containers) and polycarbonate (PC) plastics;

Notes:

1.Ensure compliance with the packaging standards for items to be sterilized before the sterilization process, so as not to compromise the sterilization effectiveness.

2.Instruments, utensils, and items made of the same material should be placed in the same batch for sterilization. When the materials are identical, the operating parameters for sterilization are relatively stable, resulting in a good sterilization effect.

3.For items made of different materials:

Textile items should be placed on the upper layer in an upright position;

Metal instruments should be placed on the lower layer;

Surgical instrument packs and rigid containers should be placed flat;

Basin, bowl and plate-like items should be placed at an incline, with the openings of the containers inside the packs facing the same direction;

Vessels with no holes at the bottom (such as glass bottles) should be placed upside down or sideways;

Paper bags and paper-plastic packages should be placed sideways.

III. Common autoclave-incompatible materials in laboratories

1.Non-stainless steel materials;

2.Oxidizing agents:

3.Flammable and explosive items:

4.Corrosive substances;

5.Radioactive substances;

6.Polystyrene (PS), polyurethane, low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and high-density polyethylene (HDPE)