AUTOCLAVE USE ©David B. Fankhauser, Ph.D., Professor of Biology and Chemistry University of Cincinnati Clermont College Batavia OH 45103
front view of the  autoclave	This page has been accessed  times since 11 July 2001.  18 Oct'85, latest revisions 1Jan96, 25June99, 28June01, 14July04	This is a close up of  the gauge cluster during autoclaving

    Pasteur showed that once a medium is sterilized, it will remain sterile until contaminated by microorganisms (i.e., they do not appear by spontaneous generation.). Heating is one of the most convenient methods for sterilization. Simple boiling at 100°C, however, is not completely effective for sterilization because many spores can survive this temperature. However, the boiling point of water goes up when exposed to increased pressures. In a pressure cooker where the pressure is 15 pounds/sq inch (1 atmosphere) above standard pressure (760 mm Hg), water boils at 121°C. This temperature kills all life forms in 15 minutes or less. These conditions have become the standard for sterilizing apparatus or small volumes of liquid: i.e., treat over boiling water at 15 pounds pressure for 15 minutes (commonly called "15 pounds for 15 minutes").

    An autoclave is a piece of laboratory apparatus which acts as an automated pressure cooker. The conditions inside are thermostatically controlled so that heat is applied until 121C is achieved, at which time the timer starts, and the temperature is maintained for the selected time.  Here is the cluster of dials and gauges which regulate its use:

ILLUSTRATE THE AUTOCLAVE , LABEL THESE PARTS:

USING THE AUTOCLAVE: 

	Close drain valve.
	Pour 4 L (1 gallon) of hot water into the bottom of autoclave. Fill to the bottom of the lip as shown.
	Load material to be autoclaved, following the appropriate protocol for type of material being sterilized .
	Close door, latch securely by pressing down firmly.
	Select appropriate exhaust: slow for water-containing materials, fast for apparatus.
	Select the time of treatment (15 minutes for small volumes. For containers containing volumes over 1 liter: 30 minutes, over a gallon: 60 minutes.) This begins the cycle.
	When the pressure is 1 atmosphere (15 pounds) and the temperature is 121 C, the timer begins to time the process. (Yes, these numbers were not quite acheived when the pictures were taken...)
	After sterilization, when pressure has returned to zero, open up the door with care--the steam will burn your hands or wrists if they are above the door.  Remove hot items with the aid of gloves, pour out any melted contaminated agar immediately and rinse glassware in hot water.
	Open drain valve to empty water in bottom of autoclave (make sure drain is in proper position).