Category
Sterilization
Typical Use
Sterilize surgical instruments and labware.
Description
A high pressure steam chamber that sterilizes reusable surgical instruments, glassware, and certain medical supplies by exposing them to saturated steam at elevated temperatures for a specified time, effectively killing bacteria, spores, and viruses. Autoclave cycles are validated for temperature, pressure, and time to ensure sterilization efficacy, and instruments must be properly cleaned and packaged before autoclaving to prevent residual bioburden. Regular maintenance, biological indicator testing, and adherence to manufacturer protocols are required to ensure reliable sterilization and patient safety. Autoclaves are central to instrument reprocessing workflows in hospitals, clinics, and laboratories and support infection prevention programs.