Standard Requirements of an Autoclave Process

Hi everyone,

We are establishing our in-house microbiological lab, as per standard requirement (or good laboratory practices) we need two autoclaves, one for media sterilization and other one for the final plates (with growth) disinfection, in order to minimize the chances of cross contamination.

my question is that if the purpose of autoclave is to sterilize, then we should not worry about the cross contamination and we can work with single autoclave, and if our autoclave is cause of cross contamination its means it is not working well. please advice

Hi everyone,

 

We are establishing our in-house microbiological lab, as per standard requirement (or good laboratory practices) we need two autoclaves, one for media sterilization and other one for the final plates (with growth) disinfection, in order to minimize the chances of cross contamination.

my question is that if the purpose of autoclave is to sterilize, then we should not worry about the cross contamination and we can work with single autoclave, and if our autoclave is cause of cross contamination its means it is not working well. please advice

Hi Nazia,

Afaik, it is typically regarded as Best Practice to use 2 autoclaves.

Could also consider relying on chemical disinfection so would only need one autoclave.

Personally I have used a "High-Grade" autoclave for media and a cheap one for disinfection but it may also relate to the species/quantities involved.

Hi Nazia,

There are chances of cross contamination, If autoclave cycle is not completed due to any reason,  the sterilization is incomplete and may cause cross contamination if you use it next for sterilization of Media. 

Secondly, the grown media plates may have bacterial spores which are heat resistant and can't killed by autoclavation, that can also cause cross contamination.

I Think it will be good if you use two seperate autoclaves.

Best of Luck

Zargham Abbas

Microbiologist-Food Safety & Quality Expert

ISO certified Lead Auditor

Thanks Charles C & Zargham I completely understand your point of view.

Also, can you guys suggest me any validation methods so that I can validate that my sterilization cycle is completed, as I know the one is to use autoclave tape which is used to indicate that required temperature is achieved and secondly I can get my autoclave calibration services from third party. 

Thanks Charles C & Zargham I completely understand your point of view.

 

Also, can you guys suggest me any validation methods so that I can validate that my sterilization cycle is completed, as I know the one is to use autoclave tape which is used to indicate that required temperature is achieved and secondly I can get my autoclave calibration services from third party. 

There are "levels" of "Validation",  eg -

https://consteril.co...le-development/

https://www.systec-l...ory-autoclaves/

Thanks Charles C & Zargham I completely understand your point of view.

 

Also, can you guys suggest me any validation methods so that I can validate that my sterilization cycle is completed, as I know the one is to use autoclave tape which is used to indicate that required temperature is achieved and secondly I can get my autoclave calibration services from third party. 

Hi, 

For the purpose of validation you can

1. Verify sterilization temperature, time and pressure.

2. Use Autoclave tape

3. Use steam indicators (Chemical Indicators)

4. Biological indicators

5. Sterility testing.

Thanks & Regards,

Zargham Abbas

Microbiologist-Food Safety & Quality Expert

ISO certified Lead Auditor

Thanks Charles C & Zargham, I really appreciate your help.