An Autoclave is a specialized device primarily used in microbiology labs for destroying microorganisms inside the sealed device utilizing the steam sterilization method. It is widely used to sterilize medical equipment that can easily withstand heat and moisture without degradation, such as glassware, steel instruments, utensils, and other tools. The Genist Technocracy is among the top autoclave manufacturers in India that design and manufacture excellent medical equipment, including vertical autoclaves to sanitize pharmaceutical products and other equipment used to store and preserve cultures, reagents, etc.
How does an autoclave work?
It functions based on moist heat sterilization principles. The saturated steam under high pressure eradicates any germs, bacteria, and viruses to meet the required safety and quality standards. Operating an autoclave device does not necessarily require much training. It looks like a long vertical pressure cooker with many settings, including an accelerated cooling function that makes the sterilization process quick and convenient.
The pressure inside the autoclave can quickly reach a high temperature such as 121 degrees Celsius and coagulates the proteins that allow the bacterial growth, destroying the bacteria in just one liquid cycle of 15-20 minutes. However, the sterilization time may vary depending on the size of the load and the specifications of the autoclave.
What are the various types of autoclaves and their importance?
- Pressure Cooker Type (Class N autoclave)
The class N pressure cooker type autoclave is the basic, most commonly used Laboratory Bench Autoclave. It is equipped with an air and steam release valve, safety valve, pressure gauge, and an electric immersion heater at the bottom of the chamber. However, it does not have a vacuum for releasing the air pressure; instead, it uses thermodynamic air displacement.
A pressure cooker-type autoclave is compact in size and comes with an adjustable sterilization timer. It can be exclusively used for sterilizing solid instruments which are small in size. Thus, it plays a crucial role in sterilizing reusable tools in microbiology labs. However, these cannot be used for sterilizing any hollow instruments or porous objects.
- Gravity Displacement Autoclave
The gravity displacement autoclave (also known as downward displacement autoclave) is generally used in labs. This autoclave generates steam inside the chamber through a heating unit immersed in water. Once the steam is generated, it is transferred downward, and excess water is drained. Next, the sterilization process begins when the drain hole is closed, and the temperature has reached the ideal levels for sterilization. It is essential for sterilizing pharmaceutical products, medical waste, and non-porous goods. Moreover, it is a much cheaper model than other types of autoclaves.
- Positive Pressure Displacement Autoclave (Class B autoclave)
A Positive Pressure Displacement Autoclave is a superior design to a downward displacement autoclave. It features a pressure gauge, safety valves, steam release valve, vacuum release valve, rubber gasket, inner container, and inner tripod stand. It generates steam in a separate chamber and accumulates it until it reaches the required level for displacement. Next, a pressurized blast is released into the sterilization chamber for rapid sterilization.
The class B autoclave is perfect for fast sterilization of any medical equipment that has been in contact with blood and non-intact mucous membranes, etc. Thus, it is commonly used in dental clinics, pharmaceutical labs, and hospitals for sterilizing scissors, forceps, curettes, and other lab instruments safely and efficiently. They are best known for their superior performance and sterilization quality.
- Negative Pressure Displacement Autoclave (Class S autoclave)
A negative pressure displacement autoclave is the most expensive and large device that combines the Class N and Class B sterilization device functionalities. It features a steam generator and a vacuum generator. Like a Class B autoclave, it has a separate chamber for accumulating steam. Next, the air is completely removed from the sterilization chamber, and once it has negative pressure, a pressure blast releases the steam into the sterilization chamber. As a result, it delivers a higher “Sterility Assurance Level” (SAL). Therefore, it is ideal for handling sterilization requirements of large hospitals and microbiology labs.
When choosing an autoclave device for commercial use or medical use, it is crucial to accurately assess the specific sterilization requirements and select a model with the right specifications. So, if you are looking to buy a high-performance autoclave from a certified manufacturer, check out the product selection at Genist Technocracy.
Genist Technocracy is a leading autoclave manufacturer in India with GMP, CE, ICE, OHSAS, PED, U.S FDA, NSIC, and ISO 9001:2008 certifications. We provide vertical autoclave or high-pressure vertical steam sterilizers designed to fulfill the sterilization requirements in medical research laboratories, microbiology laboratories, dental clinics, and hospitals. Our autoclave equipment is made following the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and all other relevant industry-standard guidelines such as IS 3829 standard NABL/ERTL LAB. So, when you need to purchase autoclaves and other certified medical equipment, get in touch with our team for expert assistance.
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