An autoclave sterilizes medical and laboratory instruments by heating solutions above boiling point. Different types exist, from small ones in doctor’s offices to large ones in hospitals. The machine was invented in 1879 and remains an important tool in medical and laboratory settings.
An autoclave is, perhaps, one of the most important devices in the medical field. Heats solutions above their boiling point to sterilize laboratory or medical instruments. The autoclave is also used in industry to “cure” certain products during the manufacturing process.
There are different types of autoclaves. One of the simplest ones looks a lot like a pressure cooker. It’s a large pot with a gauge on top and bolts that secure the top to the pot. The idea behind this is that the water inside a pressurized container can be heated above boiling point. It will only reach 212°F (100°C) in an open container. However, in a pressurized autoclave, the water will reach much higher temperatures.
Most doctor’s offices have a small autoclave in their laboratories, used to sterilize small batches of instruments. This type is usually on a cart and is similar in size to a microwave oven. It can also be rotated where it is needed.
Hospitals use large autoclaves that look similar to a dishwasher. This machine can process a large number of surgical instruments in one cycle, keeping pace with the constant demand of operating theaters and emergency rooms. An autoclave should ideally be a one-touch tool. That is, the technician should be able to load the machine, push a button to start the cycle, and the machine does the rest. The technician should not have to constantly monitor the temperature of the unit or start or stop a cycle.
The autoclave was invented in 1879 by Charles Chamberland. The benefits of sterile surgery were starting to take hold, and medical professionals needed a more reliable way to sterilize their instruments other than heating them in fire. The benefits of the machine were immediately apparent and it has become an indispensable part of every doctor’s office and hospital. The autoclave isn’t as common, with the introduction of disposable needles and other tools, but it’s still a necessary part of any medical or laboratory setting.
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