Lämpöautoklaavi

Lämpöautoklaavi, also known as a steam sterilizer, is a medical device used to sterilize equipment and supplies by using high-pressure saturated steam. The process relies on the principle that steam at elevated temperatures can effectively kill microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores.

The sterilization cycle typically involves several stages: a pre-vacuum phase to remove air from the chamber, a sterilization phase where steam is introduced at a specific temperature and pressure for a defined period, and a drying phase to remove moisture from the sterilized items. Common temperatures used are 121°C or 134°C, with corresponding pressures ensuring the steam remains saturated.

Lämpöautoklaavit are essential in healthcare settings like hospitals, dental clinics, and laboratories to ensure that instruments and materials are free from pathogens, preventing the transmission of infections. They are used for sterilizing a wide range of items, including surgical instruments, laboratory glassware, porous materials, and some types of plasticware.

The effectiveness of a lämpöautoklaavi cycle is dependent on several factors, including proper loading of the chamber to allow steam penetration, correct temperature and pressure settings, adequate cycle duration, and regular maintenance and testing of the device. Biological and chemical indicators are often used to verify that the sterilization process has been successful.