Autoclave Training

Autoclaves are installed in three locations: Bagley 192S, Bagley 454, and CHB G002.

Users must be trained by their PI or a designate before they may use any autoclave. Details are particular to each autoclave, which is covered in training and posted at each instrument.  The following are general guidelines applicable to all autoclaves:

  • Place heat sensitive tape (autoclave tape) on the outside of each bag to demonstrate that the load has undergone steam sterilization.
  • Operators must use Thermalog-S chemical integrator strip for monitoring. This is the only chemical integrator currently approved by the Seattle-King County Health Department. Place the integrator in the center of every load run to confirm attainment of adequate sterilization conditions.  Indicators and tape are both available in the stockroom.
  • All loads must be autoclaved for a minimum of 30 minutes and 121° C. Bags, bundles, and liquid waste may require more time.
  • An autoclave bag labeled with a biohazard symbol and that is capable of withstanding 132° C can be used for most items. Bags should be twisted loosely shut and folded over once. The supplied rubber band should be placed once over the fold.
  • Syringes with needles attached, razor blades, and other sharps items should be placed in an autoclave sharps container.
  • In order to achieve thorough sterilization, items should be loosely stacked on the rack in the autoclave. Liquids should not be sealed tightly.
  • At the end of every run, check the printout to ensure that the proper temperature was reached and that no faults occurred.  Record the details on the Autoclave Log sheet.  Please note that the entry must include the result of checking the printout (OK or Not OK) and the chemical integrator result (Safe or Unsafe).

This is not a complete listing.  Please check with the department autoclave contacts (below), your PI, or an experienced user if you have any questions

Autoclave Errors

In case of any errors on the autoclave control panel, or any other issues, stop using the instrument, post a sign alerting others not to use it, and report the problem to wbeaty@uw.edu and ericcamp@uw.edu 

We can investigate problems and schedule any necessary repairs rapidly, but only when we know about a problem!

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