Autoclave

An autoclave is a pressure-resistant vessel that conducts processes at elevated temperature and pressure. It is widely used to sterilize materials with saturated steam.

Saturated steam: Water vapor in equilibrium with liquid water at a given pressure and temperature. Autoclaves use saturated steam to transfer heat efficiently and kill microorganisms.
Medical device sterilization: The validated process of eliminating viable microorganisms from medical devices. Hospitals and manufacturers use autoclaves for compatible reusable and packaged devices.
Pressure vessel: A container designed to hold gases or liquids at pressures substantially different from ambient pressure. An autoclave is a pressure vessel subject to strict design and safety requirements.
Ethylene oxide sterilization: A low-temperature sterilization method that uses ethylene oxide gas to inactivate microorganisms. It can sterilize heat-sensitive materials that may be damaged by autoclave cycles.
Surgical instrument reprocessing: The cleaning, inspection, packaging, and sterilization of reusable surgical instruments. Autoclaving is a central sterilization step in the reprocessing cycle.
Steam sterilization: A method that uses moist heat to destroy microorganisms, including resistant spores. This is the principal sterilization process performed in many autoclaves.
Laboratory sterilization: The treatment of laboratory materials to eliminate viable microorganisms before use or disposal. Autoclaves sterilize media, glassware, instruments, and regulated biological waste.
Boiling point elevation: The increase in a liquid's boiling temperature when its surrounding pressure rises. This physical effect allows pressurized water to produce hotter steam.
Hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization: A low-temperature sterilization process using vaporized hydrogen peroxide, often with plasma. It offers an alternative for compatible heat-sensitive devices, though load constraints differ.
Hospital-acquired infection: An infection acquired during or as a consequence of receiving healthcare. Effective instrument sterilization reduces one route by which pathogens spread in care settings.

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