Autoclaving

The infectious waste generated and collected from HCE’s are sterilized from infections before shredding and disposal. The sterilization process is done using an autoclave with steam as the medium of sterilization. Autoclave set up in our facility meets all the specifications set up by the authorities.

Autoclaving is a time-tested process of sterilization of medical waste using high temperature and high-pressure steam. Effective sterilization results in the destruction of bacteria, viruses, spores, fungi and other pathogenic microorganisms.

Conventional autoclaves are essentially cylindrical vessels with a provision for loading and unloading waste. Steam at high temperature and pressure is introduced into the vessel jacket. The steam transmits heat rapidly to the waste which in turn produces steam of its own. The process effectively destroys pathogens and renders the waste dry.

Typical operating conditions for an autoclave are a temperature of at least 121°C at a pressure of 105 kPa for a period of at least 60 minutes. The widely used autoclaving methods include: the induced vacuum method, where the steam is introduced into a vacuum, and the gravity displacement method, where in the steam entering the chamber displaces the air. The penetration of steam into the waste is crucial to the effectiveness of the treatment and therefore attention must be paid to packing the waste in a manner promoting penetration. Any liquid waste formed may need to be treated before disposal.

The treated residue is acceptable for disposal in a municipal landfill, if shredded or macerated to render it unrecognizable and in the case of sharps, incapable of causing injury. Waste is reduced by an estimated 30% of its volume, enhanced, if accompanied by mechanical shredding and can either be land filled directly or compacted further. Operational malfunctioning may result in ineffective treatment. Steam treatment wets the waste resulting in an increase in weight.

1. Semi-Automatic.
2. Pressure and temperature as per the specification.
3. Automatic locking system to ensure proper disinfections.
4. Visual Displays and Control Panel with recording feature.

1. Microbiology & Biotechnology Waste (wastes from laboratory cultures, stocks or specimens of micro-organisms live or attenuated vaccines, wastes from production of biologicals, toxins, dishes and devices used for transfer of cultures).
2. Waste sharps (needles, syringes, scalpels, blades, glass, etc. that may cause puncture and cuts. This includes both used and unused sharps).
3. Solid Waste (wastes generated from disposable items other than the waste sharps such as tubing's, catheters, intravenous sets etc.)