The working principle and related information of high-pressure steam sterilizer

The principle of high-pressure steam sterilization

High-pressure steam sterilization uses saturated water vapor under high temperature and high pressure conditions to denature the protein of microorganisms within a certain period of time, resulting in the death of microorganisms (including bacterial spores), so as to achieve the effect of sterilizing moisture-resistant and heat-resistant items.

This sterilization method is widely used and has strong sterilization ability. It is one of the most effective methods of thermal sterilization. It is suitable for medical devices, appliances and laboratory items with high temperature resistance, high pressure and humidity.

Compatible materials for common autoclaves in laboratories

The following materials can usually be safely sterilized by high-pressure steam：

1.Stainless steel material

2.Metal medical equipment

3.Hospital dressing cloth bag

4.Plastic pipette tip

5.glassware

6.Enamel material

7.Latex gloves, vinyl products

8.Polypropylene (PP secondary container) and polycarbonate (PC) plastics

Precautions

1.Packaging specifications: Before sterilization, ensure that the packaging of the items meets the requirements to avoid affecting the sterilization effect.

2.Classification sterilization: Instruments of the same material should be sterilized in the same batch. Because the materials are the same, the sterilization parameters are more stable and the effect is better.

3.Item placement： 

1.Items of different materials need to be placed in reasonable layers.

2.Textile items: should be placed vertically on the upper layer.

3.Metal equipment: placed in the lower layer.

4.Surgical instrument bag and hard container: put flat.

5.Plates, bowls, and pots: placed obliquely, and the opening direction is the same.

6.Glass bottle with no holes at the bottom: stand upside down or sideways.

7.Paper bags and paper-plastic packaging: put on the side.

Incompatible materials for common autoclaves in laboratories

The following materials and substances are not suitable for high pressure steam sterilization：

1.Non-stainless steel material

2.Acidic substances, organic solvents

3.Contains chlorides and hypochlorites

4.Explosive and flammable items 

1.Combustible substances：

Such as lithium metal, potassium, sodium, yellow phosphorus, red phosphorus, sulfides, gelatin, calcium carbide, calcium oxide (lime) and so on.

2.Explosive substance：

Such as nitroglycol, trinitrobenzene, peroxyacetic acid, methanyl, ethyl, methanol, hydrogen peroxide, benzoyl, benzoyl and other organic peroxides.

3.Flammable gas：

Such as hydrogen, acetylene, methane, propane, butane, etc.

5.Corrosive substances

6.Radioactive material

7.Fusible plastic material：

Such as polystyrene (PS), polyurethane (PU), low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE).