How to Achieve a Secure Sterilization with TOMY Autoclave?

In laboratory settings, ensuring proper sterilization of equipment and waste material is critical to preventing contamination and ensuring accurate results. One commonly used method of sterilization is autoclaving, which uses heat, pressure, and time to kill microorganisms. However, the efficiency of the autoclave can be affected by various factors, such as the size and thermal capacity of the items being sterilized.

It is important to note that the autoclave indicates the temperature inside the chamber, not the temperature of the items being sterilized. This distinction is important because the temperature inside the chamber may not accurately reflect the temperature of the items being sterilized. For instance, if the items are not arranged properly inside the autoclave, they may not be exposed to the same level of heat as the chamber.

Thermal Capacity and Heat Transfer Time Lag

The thermal capacity of an item refers to the amount of heat needed to raise its temperature by a unit. During the sterilization process, the thermal capacity of the items being sterilized can affect the autoclave's efficiency by causing a time delay in achieving the desired temperature and pressure. This delay is known as heat transfer time lag.

Heat transfer time lag occurs when the temperature of the autoclave chamber is different from the temperature of the items being sterilized. This is particularly common when sterilizing liquids or large quantities of items. For example, the heat transfer time lag for two 500 ml bottles is 12 minutes, while for two 1L bottles, it is 17 minutes.

Ensuring Proper Sterilization

To ensure proper sterilization, it is important to follow the recommended sterilization cycle for the specific items being sterilized. This cycle typically involves setting the autoclave to 121°C, 15 psi for 20 minutes. However, to account for heat transfer time lag, it may be necessary to adjust the sterilization time based on the thermal capacity and quantity of items being sterilized.

Using an external sensor can help prevent heat transfer time lag by monitoring the temperature of the items being sterilized and adjusting the autoclave cycle accordingly. This can ensure that the items are properly sterilized and free from contamination.

Example of heat transfer time lag test data for FLS-1000.

Download TOMY heat transfer time lag report for FLS-1000 autoclave

Download TOMY heat transfer time lag report for SX-500/700 autoclave

 

Conclusion

Autoclaving is a common method of sterilization in laboratory settings. However, the efficiency of the autoclave can be affected by various factors, including the size and thermal capacity of the items being sterilized. To ensure proper sterilization, it is important to follow recommended sterilization cycles and consider heat transfer time lag. Using an external sensor can help prevent heat transfer time lag and ensure proper sterilization of laboratory equipment and waste material.

 

 

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