Appendix A Standard Operating Procedures - University of Rhode ...

5. Fill the autoclave with water by turning the multi-purpose value (always turn this valve
clockwise) to FILL. The water should reach most of the width of the “indicator channel” at
the front of the chamber. Turn the multi-purpose valve to STE to stop the flow of water
and prepare the unit for sterilization
6. Close the door, and lock it by turning the handle clockwise. The door should be secure
with a good seal, but only “hand tight”.
7. Set the temperature at 250 °F / 121 °C with the thermostat knob. This is the temperature
most often used for sterilization. If you are in doubt of the correct autoclave temperature
or time, refer to the appropriate method SOP. If you are autoclaving waste materials, refer
to SOP 006 – Waste Autoclaving Procedure, for correct temperatures and autoclave
times.
8. Set the STE timer to the correct sterilization period. Note: this unit takes about 30 minutes
to get up to temperature/pressure so be sure to factor that into your time (set the time for
the TOTAL time period = +/- 30 minute “heat up” + sterilization time needed (usually > 15
minutes).
9. Check on the unit after about 25 minutes to be sure that it is reaching temperature /
pressure. Small bursts of steam may be evident from the water reservoir during the run;
this is normal and necessary. Record the unit pressure on the Autoclave Use log. It is
necessary to record the maximum pressure while the unit is running because the
maximum pressure needle is broken (as of 2008).
10. If the unit does not reach the set temperature contact Elizabeth Herron to arrange for
professional servicing of the unit. Until the unit is repaired, it should not be used to
sterilize materials.
11. When the timer reaches 0, the run is complete.
12. Turn the multi-purpose knob to EXH + DRY.
13. Follow the procedure below based on desired cycle (with or without drying)
Cycle without drying:
1. When the pressure gauge reads 0, turn the main switch to STOP, and the multi-purpose
switch to 0.
2. Carefully open the door – steam will escape so do not put any body parts near the edge of
the door while opening it.
3. Remove the load using insulated gloves and unplug the unit if you are not running any
more loads immediately.
4. Record the temperature on the maximum temperature recording thermometer and the run
time on the autoclave run sheet. The thermometer should read at least 121 °C. If it
doesn’t contact Elizabeth Herron and assume the materials taken out of the autoclave are
not sterile.
Cycle with drying:
1. When the pressure gauge reads 0, carefully open the door slightly to let the steam escape.
Leave the door closed, but not locked down with the locking screw.
2. Set the timer for 20 – 30 minutes; the drying indicator lamp will light.
3. After the time has elapsed, turn the multi-purpose valve to 0, the main switch to STOP.
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General Autoclave Operation SOP 004
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