Autoclave

The Autoclave

This machine, located across the hall from the door near Evgeny's bench, is used to sterilize media and equipment. It does so by "cooking" the material at high pressures which kills all potential contaminating organisms. For additional reference material see the Autoclave (Wikipedia).

Operating instructions are located above the door and should be referenced the first few times you use it.

There are two general settings used for the machine.

Liquids- for media

Gravity- for equipment that will need drying.

Steam sterilize time, which is set by dial, will vary depending on the mass of content to be sterilized and degree of sterilization desired. Steam dry time will only be necessary for equipment sterilization under the "Gravity" setting- usually 10 or 15 minutes is enough.

Gloves for removing autoclaved material are located on or around Freezer 6.

This autoclave has a quirk- an "Error 2" message comes on when it is initially started and occasionally as it reaches sterilization conditions and when it is opened to remove contents. Ignore it. Additionally, the door must be closed and sealed after use.