Autoclave Guide - Introduction to the CertoClav knowledge base
CertoClav Autoclave guide provides information about the function, operation and maintenance of autoclave sterilizers and the sterilization process.
How does a steam autoclave work?
A steam autoclave is designed to work with high temperature and pressurized steam to sterilize microorganisms.
Safety Instructions for autoclaving and Potential Risks
Steam autoclaves use high pressure and temperature steam for sterilization which is linked to potential safety issues for autoclave operators.
Autoclave operation, functioning and cleaning
The principles of autoclave operation: loading, operating and unloading the autoclave, malfunctions and spill clean-up indications
Chemical and biological autoclave indicators
How to validate that the autoclave is working properly? Autoclave indicators – chemical and biological indicators
Theory of Sterilization
Theoretical aspects of the autoclave. Combined effects of temperature and pressure in a steam autoclavingsimply explained.
Definition of Sterilization
Sterilization is the process that eliminates or kills all forms of microorganisms and infectious proteins.
Other Methods of sterilization
Quick overview of other sterilization methods, including dry heat sterilization, irradiation, sterilization with ethylene oxide and peracetic acid.
Basics of bacteria
Quick overview of bacteria and microogranism types such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoans, endotoxins, exotoxins, and prions.
Pyrogens and Bacterial Endotoxins
A pyrogen is a fever-producing molecule. Some bacteria produce pyrogens that are known as endotoxins and exotoxins.
Bacterial Resistance
Bacterial resistance refers to the ability of a bacterium to develop a tolerance for a particular antibiotic.
Bacterial Persistance
Bacterial cells have the ability to regulate their growth cycles in response to changing environmental conditions. There are several mechanisms involved.
Viable but not Culturable State
The mechanism of inhibition of contact-dependent growth allows some bacteria to inhibit the growth of other bacteria nearby.
Contamination, infection and fouling
The Search for active composites is about an effective solution against bacterial contamination of medical devices.
Prions
The prion protein, responsible for transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), can be denatured by autoclaving.
Viruses as Contaminants
The viral infection is a significant risk to laboratory personnel. Steam sterilization effectively destroys viruses.
Autoclaving Prions
Sterilizing prions requires denaturation to prevent induction of abnormal folding of normal prions.
Sterilization of spores and toxins
An overview of sterilisation methods for the sterilisation of spores, endotoxins, exotoxins, and pyrogenes.