How to Properly Load an Autoclave for Optimal Results

Today we would like to give you some guidelines on how to best load an autoclave for optimal results. There are a number of variables that play a role in how the loading of an autoclave should be approached including size, style, and brand. 

Let’s do a quick autoclave review first. Autoclaves are the gold standard for sterilizing equipment and materials but businesses, laboratories, research entities, academic settings, and medical, veterinary, and dental offices. Here, below, are some general guidelines: 

Read the Manual 

This may sound silly, but reading the instructions that come with an autoclave is absolutely necessary. Autoclaves must be loaded properly in order for steam to come in contact with all surfaces needing sterilization for the appropriate time needed for the cycle. 

Ask Your Installer/Trainer 

If you have bought from a reputable company—like us—then staff will train you how to load it properly. And even if, down the line, you have a question, you can always talk to your trainer to get the information you need, promptly. 

Size and Shape 

Autoclaves come in all sorts of sizes and shapes depending on their application. The size and shape will determine where to put certain items or materials. And as a general rule, heavier objects go toward the bottom with lighter materials on top. If you put heavier items on top then you can encounter a “pouching effect” in which some materials are covering others and not allowing for sufficient air and steam movement. 

Check Materials 

Always make sure you are putting materials in your autoclave that belong there, and are, in fact, autoclavable. If you are not sure whether something is autoclavable, read the instruction manual or contact your trainer. 

No Crowding 

Never crowd a microwave like your relatives crowd their dishwashers on Thanksgiving. It is okay to run an autoclave with less than a full load. You need space in the autoclave for air and steam circulation. Err on the side of loading less rather than more. 

Check Instruments and Materials Before Loading

One very important point is that the materials going into an autoclave for sterilization should already be pretty clean. The autoclave sterilizes materials that have already been washed and not covered in detritus. 

As we have already said, if you have any questions, consult your instruction manual first, and your autoclave trainer, second. 

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.