An Autoclave (Sterilizer) is a medical and laboratory device used to sterilize instruments, equipment, and materials by applying high-pressure saturated steam at a specific temperature and time. Sterilization is crucial in healthcare and scientific settings because it completely destroys bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores, ensuring that instruments are safe for reuse and preventing infection.
How it works:
- Items to be sterilized are placed inside the autoclave chamber.
- The chamber is sealed, and air is removed (by vacuum or displacement).
- High-pressure steam is introduced, usually at 121–134°C (250–273°F) under pressure (15–30 psi).
- The heat and moisture penetrate the items, killing all microorganisms.
- After the cycle, pressure is released, and items are dried and ready for use.
Common Uses:
-Hospitals & Clinics → sterilizing surgical tools, dressings, glassware, and medical devices.
-Dental practices → sterilizing dental instruments.
-Laboratories → sterilizing culture media, glassware, and lab tools.
-Tattoo & beauty industry → ensuring reusable tools are infection-free.
Key Benefits:
-Provides complete sterilization (kills even resistant spores).
-Reliable and widely accepted as the gold standard for sterilization.
-Available in various sizes: from small tabletop autoclaves to large hospital-grade units.
