Autoklavai

Autoklavai is a term of Latvian origin that generally refers to a type of pressure cooker or autoclave. In its most common usage, it denotes a steam sterilizer used in various professional settings, particularly in healthcare and laboratory environments, to sterilize medical equipment, laboratory glassware, and other heat-stable items.

The principle behind an autoklavai is the use of pressurized steam. By increasing the pressure inside the chamber, the boiling point of water is raised, allowing for higher temperatures to be achieved. These elevated temperatures, typically around 121°C (250°F) or higher, combined with sufficient exposure time, effectively kill microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores.

Autoklavai are essential for maintaining sterile conditions and preventing the spread of infections. They come in various sizes and designs, from small tabletop units used in dental offices to large, industrial-scale machines employed in manufacturing processes. The operation typically involves loading the items to be sterilized, sealing the chamber, increasing pressure with steam, maintaining the temperature for a set duration, and then slowly releasing the pressure. The effectiveness of the sterilization cycle is often monitored through indicators that change color or undergo physical alteration when the required conditions have been met.