What is an autoclave?
An autoclave is a sterilization unit that uses pressurized water vapor to disinfect objects, including medical equipment, shears, blades, containers of liquid and a host of other items. In the tattoo shop, a unit is used to sterilize tattoo guns to prevent the possible transference of bacterial and viral infections from one customer to the next. The unit itself is constructed from strong steel to withstand the high pressure that builds up within the chamber when the machine is in use, and all of the gaskets are made to fit precisely, so no pressure can escape the unit. There are two main types of autoclaves: • Stove top autoclaves actually resemble a culinary pressure cooker. Each unit comes complete with a bolt-down lid and a pressure gauge on the outside. These units require an outside heat source and can be extremely dangerous in untrained hands. They should only be used by experienced professionals. • Front loading autoclaves are more widely used for their convenience, but must als
An autoclave is a heat / steam / pressure unit that achieves and maintains 250 degrees Fahrenheit (121 degrees Celsius) under 10 pounds (4.5 Kilograms) pressure for 30 minutes or up to 270 degrees Fahrenheit (132 degrees Celsius) under 15 pounds (6.8 Kilograms) pressure for 15 minutes. Most units run a 55 minute cycle from a cold start. It is the only accepted method of sterilization that will kill every living microorganism known to mankind.
