Question 1

What is an autoclave used for?

Accepted Answer

An autoclave uses pressurised steam to sterilise instruments, dressings, glassware, culture media and laboratory waste in hospitals, clinics and laboratories.

Question 2

What temperature and pressure does an autoclave use?

Accepted Answer

A standard cycle runs at 121°C at about 15 psi above atmospheric pressure, commonly for 15 to 30 minutes. A faster cycle runs at 134°C at about 30 psi. Exact times depend on the load and the manufacturer's instructions.

Question 3

What are the types of autoclaves?

Accepted Answer

Common types are cooker-type or portable autoclaves, vertical autoclaves, double drum autoclaves, tabletop autoclaves (Class N, S or B) and large horizontal autoclaves.

Question 4

Which autoclave is best for a clinic or hospital?

Accepted Answer

Small clinics often use a cooker-type or portable autoclave. Hospital departments use vertical or double drum autoclaves, laboratories use vertical laboratory autoclaves, and dental practices often prefer Class B tabletop models for wrapped and hollow instruments.

Question 5

Is an aluminium or stainless steel autoclave better?

Accepted Answer

Stainless steel autoclaves resist corrosion and frequent use better, so they suit hospitals and laboratories. Aluminium autoclaves are lighter and cost less, which suits lower-volume use.

Question 6

What size autoclave do I need?

Accepted Answer

Choose a capacity that fits your largest items and daily volume without overloading. Small clinics often use 12 to 30 litres; hospital departments and laboratories commonly need 50 litres or more.

Question 7

How do you know an autoclave cycle worked?

Accepted Answer

Chemical indicators, such as indicator tape, show that the cycle reached sterilising conditions. Biological indicators (spore tests) confirm that sterilisation is effective and should be run regularly. Vacuum autoclaves also need periodic Bowie-Dick testing.

Question 8

What is the price of an autoclave in India?

Accepted Answer

Cooker-type and portable autoclaves start at around ₹4,500, vertical and double drum hospital autoclaves cost about ₹50,000 to ₹1,30,000, and tabletop Class B models range from under ₹1 lakh to several lakh. Check the listing above for current prices.

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Autoclave 2

Frequently Asked Questions

Autoclaves for Hospitals, Clinics and Laboratories

How an Autoclave Sterilises