How should laboratory equipment be sterilized using an autoclave?

Document ID

Document ID TE2847

Published Date

Published Date 07/27/2022
Question
How should laboratory equipment be sterilized using an autoclave?
Summary
Autoclave sterilization procedure
Answer
  1. Wash sample bottles, pipets, petri dishes, filter holder with stopper and graduated cylinder (if needed) with hot water and detergent.
  2. Rinse several times with tap water and then with demineralized water. Dry thoroughly.
  3. Prepare all equipment for the autoclave as follows:
    1. Loosely thread caps on sample bottles and cover caps and bottle necks with foil or paper.
    2. Cover the openings of graduated cylinders with foil or paper.
    3. Insert the filter funnel base into an autoclavable rubber stopper that will fit the filter flask.
    4. Wrap the two parts of the filter funnel assembly separately in heavy wrapping paper and seal with masking tape.
    5. Wrap petri dishes (borosilicate glass) in paper or place in aluminum or stainless cans.
  4. Sterilize equipment in an autoclave at 121 deg C (250 deg F) for 15 minutes. Borosilicate glass items may be sterilized with dry heat at 170 deg C (338 deg F) for a minimum of 1 hour.

Was this answer helpful?

Submitting...
Thank you for your feedback!
There was an error with your submission. Please try again.