AUTOCLAVE Flashcards

1
Q

______ is a machine that provides a physical method of sterilization by killing bacteria, viruses, and even spores present in the material put inside of the vessel using steam under pressure.

A

An autoclave

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2
Q

Also called a steam sterilizer that is commonly used in healthcare facilities and industries for various purposes.

  It is considered a more effective method of sterilization as it is based on moist heat sterilization.
A

Autoclave

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3
Q

Autoclave was invented by French Microbiologist _________ with __________ in 1879

A

Charles Chamberland with Louis Pasteur

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4
Q

first use of autoclave was closely tied to Chamberland’s work with Louis Pasteur on _________ and ____________

A

germ theory and the development of vaccines

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5
Q

Parts of An Autoclave

  • where the items to be sterilized are placed
  • designed to withstand high pressure and temperature
A

Pressure Chamber

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6
Q

Parts of an autoclave

  • allows users to set and monitor sterilization parameters such as temperature, pressure, and time
  • includes buttons and indicators for easy operation
A

Control Panel

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7
Q

Parts of an Autoclave

  • shows the current pressure inside the chamber, ensuring that it reaches the necessary levels for effective sterilization
A

Pressure Gauge

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8
Q

Parts of an autoclave

  • displays the temperature inside the chamber, helping to monitor and maintain the correct sterilization conditions
A

Temperature Gauge

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9
Q

Parts of an autoclave

  • releases excess pressure to prevent the chamber from becoming over-pressurized, ensuring safe operation
A

Safety Valve

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10
Q

Parts of an autoclave

  • produces steam by heating water, which is then introduced to the chamber to sterilize the items
A

Steam Generator

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11
Q

Parts of an Autoclave

  • Ensures airtight seal when the door is closed, maintaining the high-pressure environment needed for sterilization
A

Gasket

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12
Q

Parts of an autoclave

  • Easy mobility
  • Allows the autoclave to be moved between different locations as needed
A

Wheels

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13
Q

Parts of an autoclave

  • Used for monitoring and controlling the sterilization process
A

Ports and Gauges

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14
Q

Parts of an autoclave

  • releases steam at the end of the sterilization cycle
A

Exhaust/Vent Port

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15
Q

Parts of an autoclave

  • removes condensate or water from the chamber
A

Water Drainage Port

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16
Q

True or False: principle and working of autoclave

Autoclaves works on the principle of moist heat sterilization where steam under pressure is used to sterilize the material present inside the chamber.

A

True

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17
Q

True or False: principle and working of autoclave

  • This principle is employed in an autoclave where the water boils at 121°C at the pressure of 15 psi or 775 mm of Hg.
A

True

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18
Q

Phases of Autoclave base on its principle: (in correct order)

A
  1. Purge phase
  2. Sterilization phase
  3. Exhaust phase
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19
Q

Type of Autoclave

  • the steam is created inside the chamber via the heating unit, which then moves around the chamber for sterilization.
A

Gravity displacement type autoclave

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20
Q

Type of Autoclave

  • has microprocessor control, indicator light that indicates working status: pressure, time, temperature.
  • auto discharge the cool air, and steam discharging automatically after sterilizing
  • over temperature and over pressure autoprotection
A

Vertical Steam Sterilizer

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21
Q

Type of Autoclave

  • It has an air and steam discharge tap, pressure gauge, and safety valve. There is an electric immersion heater at the bottom of the chamber.
A

Pressure cooker type/ Laboratory bench autoclave (N-type)

22
Q

Type of Autoclave

  • In this type of autoclave, the steam is generated in a separate steam generator which is then passed into the autoclave.
A

Positive pressure displacement type
(B-type)

23
Q

Type of Autoclave

  • This is another type of autoclave that contains both the steam generator as well as a vacuum generator.
A

Negative pressure displacement type (S-type)

24
Q

How to use an autoclave:

  • Ensure the autoclave is clean and free of previous cycle materials.
  • Wear appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment).
  • Inspect materials for damage or contamination.
A

Preparation and Safety

25
Q

How to use an autoclave:

  • Place items to be sterilized inside the chamber, ensuring proper spacing.
  • For solutions, loosely cover containers with foil.
  • For glassware, loosely cap containers to prevent breakage.
A

Loading

26
Q

How to use an autoclave:

  • Fill the chamber with a sufficient amount of water.
A

Add Water

27
Q

How to use an autoclave:

  • Close the lid tightly, ensuring an airtight seal.
A

Close and Secure

28
Q

How to use an autoclave:

  • Set the valves to maintain the required pressure.
A

Adjust Safety Valves

29
Q

How to use an autoclave:

  • Allow air to escape through the discharge tube until water bubbles cease.
A

Vent Air

30
Q

How to use an autoclave:

  • Close the drainage pipe to trap steam.
A

Seal Chamber

31
Q

How to use an autoclave:

  • Allow steam to reach the desired pressure (usually 15 psi).
A

Increase Pressure

32
Q

How to use an autoclave:

  • For solutions: Select the “slow exhaust” cycle.
  • For glassware: Select the “fast exhaust” cycle.
A

Select Cycle

33
Q

How to use an autoclave

  • Set the appropriate temperature and time based on the items being sterilized.
  • Monitor the sterilization process.
A

Sterilization

34
Q

How to use an autoclave

  • Maintain pressure for the specified holding time (e.g., 15 minutes)
A

Holding Period

35
Q

How to use an autoclave

  • Turn off the heater and allow the autoclave to cool until pressure reaches atmospheric levels.
A

Cool Down

36
Q

How to use an autoclave

  • Open the discharge pipe to let air in.
A

Vent Air

37
Q

How to use an autoclave

  • Carefully remove sterilized items.
A

Unload Materials

38
Q

How to use an autoclave

  • Record the sterilization cycle details in a log.
A

Documentation

39
Q

How to use an autoclave

  • Autoclave Maintenance: Regularly inspect and clean the autoclave to ensure proper functioning.
  • Documentation: Maintain a log of sterilization cycles for record-keeping and quality control.
  • Emergency Procedures: Have a plan in place for handling spills, malfunctions, or other emergencies.
A

General Safety and Maintenance

40
Q

Maintenance:

  • Clean the chamber after each use.
  • Drain and refill the water reservoir (if applicable)
  • Inspect the door gasket for wear or cracks
A

Daily Maintenance

41
Q

Maintenance:

  • Clean the chamber with a manufacturer-approved cleaner.
  • Inspect and clean tray holders
  • Check safety valves for proper function.
A

Weekly Maintenance

42
Q

Maintenance:

  • Run a diagnostic test.
  • Descale the heating elements if needed.
  • Inspect for water or steam leaks around the chamber and seals.
A

Monthly Maintenance

43
Q

Maintenance:

  • Schedule professional servicing for inspection and calibration.
  • Replace critical components (gaskets, filters, heating elements)
A

Annual Maintenance

44
Q

Maintenance:

  • Use distilled water to avoid mineral buildup.
  • Follow proper loading procedures to prevent overloading.
  • Keep a log of all maintenance and repairs.
A

Best Practices

45
Q

Application of Autoclave:
Healthcare

A
  • Sterilization of Medical Instruments
  • Sterilizing Surgical Gowns and Drapes
  • Waste Management
46
Q

Application of Autoclave:
Pharmaceutical Industry

A
  • Sterilizing Drug Equipment
  • Preparation of Culture Media
  • Sterilizing Drug Formulations
47
Q

True or False: Precautions

  • No to waterproof/water-resistant substances
  • Only autoclavable bags are to be used
  • No to aluminum foils-like materials
A

True

48
Q

True or False: Precautions

  • Shouldn’t be overcrowded
  • Always placed in a secondary container.
  • Should not touch the sides or top of the chamber.
A

True

49
Q

True or False: Precautions

  • Wastes and clean items should be autoclaved separately
  • Do not attempt to open the lid when the autoclave is working
  • Liquid components should never be autoclaved in sealed containers.
A

True

50
Q

True or False: Precautions

  • Plastic or polyethylene trays or containers should not be used
  • Paper should not be placed directly inside an autoclave
  • Liquid inside the containers should only be filled 2/3rd
  • Never autoclave flammable, reactive, corrosive, toxic or radioactive materials, household bleach, or paraffin-embedded tissue
A

True