Autoclaves are instruments used to sterilize and disinfect instruments or equipment and free them of any living organisms. Various techniques are used for the purpose like heating, chemical sterilization, or ultraviolet light. Autoclaves are widely used in hospitals and health care units to ensure sterility of an object, inspite of the emergence single use surgical instruments like forceps, syringes, scalpel handles etc.

The main purpose of an autoclave is to render any surgical tool inside sterile or free of any living organisms. Some Autoclaves have a timer, integral alarms that ring or flash to indicate time or temperature limits. In order to effectively decontaminate biohazardous materials from surgical tools, autoclaves must be used properly.

mode of operation of autoclaves
The mode of operation for the autoclave is different patterns of high heat, vacuum, and pressure which sterilize the load inside the autoclave. The materials used for sterilization determine the type of sterilization “runs” that are needed to be used. Controls for different autoclaves vary and therefore it is very essential to follow manufacturers’ instructions about load sizes, loading, and cycle types and settings.

Different types of autoclaves