Sterilisers and autoclaves are used in many laboratories, cleanrooms, microbiological facilities and other controlled environments to disinfect a wide range of laboratory consumables and apparatus. Sterilisers may use high pressure, high temperature, chemicals, UV, filtration, or a combination of these methods to eliminate bacteria, fungi, viruses and spores.

What is autoclaving?

Autoclaves are a specific kind of laboratory steriliser. They generate high temperature steam, typically up to 140°C, within a sealed, pressurised loading chamber which can accommodate glassware, plasticware, apparel, equipment and any other items requiring treatment. Prior to loading, objects may first be wrapped inside dedicated autoclave bags or pouches and sealed with special heat-sensitive autoclave sterilisation verification indicator tape that changes colour after successful sterilising conditions have been achieved (typically 20 minutes for most models). Laboratory autoclaves are available as benchtop or floor standing models, with a range of different loading capacities. Most modern autoclaves are also microprocessor controlled, with pre-installed or programmable sterilisation cycles, digital controls, alarms and other safety features. Autoclaves are used for many purposes:

• Sterilisation of glassware, plasticware and other apparatus
• Preparation of sterile cell culture or microbiological growth media
• Sterilisation of surgical instruments or apparel
• Sterilisation of biohazardous laboratory or clinical waste prior to safe and subsequent disposal

Glassware washers and dryers

Lab washers are designed primarily for cleaning soiled glassware and plasticware, without necessarily certifying sterilisation. They are not normally pressurised, but instead typically rely on hot water sprays or jets and special cleaning liquids for their cleaning action, rather like a domestic dishwasher.