AUTOCLAVE and/or STEAM STERILIZATION

Autoclaving or steam sterilization is the use of pressurized steam to kill infectious agents.  Steam sterilization is a time proven and economical process of killing microorganisms through the application of moist heat under pressure.  This kind of “wet heat” is considered the most dependable method of sterilizing laboratory equipment and decontaminating biohazardous waste.  Heat damages the cell’s essential structures including the cytoplasmic membrane rendering the cell no longer viable.

Autoclaves must be used properly to effectively decontaminate potentially biohazardous materials.  Temperature, time, containers and indicators all contribute to autoclave effectiveness.