AutoclaveSitemap | Site maintained by Dolphin An autoclave is an important device used in laboratories and often in a medical science context. The autoclave is designed to heat water and other liquids in a pressurised environment. The autoclave is a sterilisation device, and the autoclave was invented in 1879 by Charles Chamberland. He discovered that under pressure, liquids could achieve higher boiling points than normal, and invented the autoclave to achieve this. In the medical context the autoclave is used to sterilise equipment so that bacteria, fungi and viruses are removed from the equipment permanently. The autoclave uses steam to do this. The autoclave can eradicate most such organisms in this way. There are a number of autoclave consumables that the laboratory will need to order from their autoclave supplier. These autoclave consumables include autoclave bags. Some autoclave bags have a marking which changes colour after they and the contents have been autoclaved so that it is clear to others that the contents of the autoclave bags are not infectious. Autoclave bags come in different colours and sizes and you can also get them with the OHSA hazard symbol printed on. Autoclave bags are typically made from polypropylene. The bag itself is sterilised in the autoclave with the contents. Other autoclave consumables include biohazardous waste boxes. Laboratories and hospitals have very strict autoclave procedures and specialist staff looking after the autoclave. Examples of when an autoclave would be used are:
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