Autoclave Instructions

Instructions on how to use the autoclaves on 1st floor.

You always need an introduction before using the autoclaves for the first time.

If you have any questions about operating the autoclaves or need an intro, contact Terese Uddh Söderberg.

Important:

Do NOT use the autoclave during nights or weekends.
Always book the autoclave; write Type of run, Name and Phone number in the logbook. If the run is not started within an hour from booked time, the autoclave is free for someone else to use.
Never abort a started process, if you need help or have a problem call for Technician or Labservice. You always need an introduction before using the autoclave for the first time.
ALWAYS fill up with DEIONIZED water in the chamber, NO sterilization without feed water. Make sure to fill it to just below the insert plate.

Start-up:

Turn on the machine (the button lights up green when on), or active the touchscreen if in sleep-mode.
Choose the program:
1. Instrument ST Run
2. Liquid ST Run
3. Special liquid Run (ask Labservice)
4. Waste ST Run
Make sure there is enough water in the chamber (see above).
ALWAYS put in the metal basket with the solid bottom. Never run anything directly on the insert plate.

Preparations Program – 1. Instrument ST:

After Start-up: Put your instruments/glassware that are to be sterilized, into the metal basket. OBS, no tight lids. NO liquids are allowed in the instrument run!
If you need the extra basket, put it on the basket with the solid bottom. Make sure it fits.
Nothing is allowed to point outside the baskets and touch the chamber walls.
The temp. probe is NOT to be used. It should be placed in the lid-location.

Preparations Program – 2. Liquid ST:

After Start-up: Put your glassware with liquids that are to be sterilized, into the metal basket. Make sure the lids are loosened.
If you need the extra basket, put it on the basket with the solid bottom. Make sure it fits.
OBS the temp. probe is be used. Place the probe in a reference bottle filled with water:
- The bottle should be of the same type as those being sterilized
- The volume of water shall be the same volume as those being sterilized. OBS, if you have different volumes in the same run (i.e. 500 ml and 100 ml), the volume is the same as the largest volume (i.e. 500 ml).

Make sure the probe is in the middle of the bottle and not touching the bottom. Use autoclave tape or special lid if needed.

Preparations Program – 4. Waste ST:

After Start-up: Put the assigned plastic autoclave basket into the metal basket. NO large plastic autoclave baskets are allowed.
Put the autoclave bag with the solid wastes into the plastic autoclave basket. OBS the bag needs to be open, for the content to be sterilized. NO lids.
The temperature probe is not to be used. It should be placed in the lid-location. Se above.

OBS! If you are sterilizing liquid wastes, run the 2. Liquid ST program instead (section above)! Look in section below for instructions on how to change temp and time (if needed).

Start the program:

Close the lid, OBS make sure the cord to the temp.-probe is not stuck. Turn the grip until hand-tight and a resistance is felt. Do not force it too much. However, if the lid is too loose, the pressure will not build up.
Press the Start-button on touchscreen. The button becomes green when the lid is closed.
A graph, showing the temperature in the chamber (in red) and temp.-probe/media (in green) is shown (se below).

Do not abort a started process, if needed: Contact the technicians or Labservice.

Finished Run:

OBS! Each program takes different long time (depending on the cooling).

Have the autoclave under observation, empty it as soon as possible. Many users need it.
Do NOT open the lid until the run is completely done. All dots should be green (even the 5^th one). There should be a safety, so you can’t open until the Media temp is under 80 degrees.
Finish the program by pressing “Done” on the touchscreen.
If it says, “Process aborted” or if any of the dots are red. Call the technicians or labservice for assistance.
Remember to lift up the metal basket and empty the basket from water and clean if needed.
Solid waste bags are closed and left in the trash bin in the room.
Leave the lid open and shut the autoclave off if you are the last run of the day.

Changing temperature or sterilization time:

If the protocol calls for a change in temperature or sterilization time, you may change it by clicking the Temp or Time Tags on the touchscreen.

In the new menu, you change to the wanted temp/time you need and press the Apply-button, then return to the main window by pressing the Home tag.