what is the quality control proceduer for the auto clave?

Question

lab queston

Answer 1

There are physical, chemical and biological indicators that can be used to ensure an autoclave reached the correct temperature for the correct amount of time.

Chemical indicators can be found on medical packaging and autoclave tape, and these change color once the correct conditions have been met. This indicates that the object inside the package, or under the tape, has been autoclaved sufficiently.

Biological indicators include Attest devices. These contain spores of a heat resistant bacterium Bacillus stearothermophillus. If the autoclave did not reach the right temperature, the spores will germinate, and their metabolism will change the colour of a pH-sensitive chemical.

Physical indicators often consist of an alloy designed to melt only after being subjected to 121 °C for 15 minutes. If the metal has melted, the change will be visible.

As well as these separate indicators, autoclaves have temperature and pressure gauges visible from the outside.

There are certain plastics that can withstand repeated temperature cycling greater than the 121 degrees Celsius required for this process. PFA is an example.

Computer-controlled autoclaves use an F0 (F-naught) value to control the sterilization cycle. F0 values are set as the number of minutes of equivalent sterilization at 121 °C (e.g: F0 = 15 min.). Since exact temperature control is difficult, the temperature is monitored, and the sterilization time adjusted accordingly.