How Autoclaves Are Used in Research and Development Labs

Autoclaves are ubiquitous in research and development laboratories because autoclaves are the gold standard in sterilization. In today’s blog we will give you some examples of how autoclaves are used in research and in the laboratory. 

Clean Environments 

Some laboratory environments have to be completely clean and without any contaminants. This might be part of a manufacturing process. The autoclave guarantees that any little bits or pieces are completely sterile when they exit the autoclave and then proceed into whatever process is being used. 

Bio-Safety 

In laboratories that work with multiple microbial organisms, the autoclave prevents cross contamination between them and insures that scientists are working with one particular desired microbe in a sterile environment. 

Human Safety 

The autoclave prevents a scientist from transferring microbes onto him or herself or onto a patient that he or she may be visiting or caring for. 

The autoclave allows the scientists to sterilize almost every little tool, instrument, and material. This makes research safer, more efficient, and more reliable. 

Examples of what can go in an autoclave? Pipettes, bowls, beakers, tweezers, plates, culture dishes, some syringes, scalpels, some plastics and other fabrics, glassware, even solutions and food for laboratory animals, and biological waste. Implantable medical devices, screws, surgical instruments like hemostats or scissors, even lab coats and safety glasses. And water! 

The autoclave is more powerful and useful than many understand. It can sterilize almost everything used in a research setting or development laboratory. This is why autoclaves are essential in these types of enviroments. 

If you need help choosing, repairing, maintaining, installing, operating, or validating an autoclave, this is our business and area of expertise for many years. Give us a call, in western Canada at (888) 818-4847. We can help with every aspect of autoclaves including choosing the right one for you. 

Alpha Scientific supplies, installs, and services medical equipment in western Canada. If you have any questions about this article or would like to talk to us about medical equipment, please call our toll-free number, (888) 818-4847, or email us at sales@alphascientific.ca.