LAR Standard Operating Procedures

Autoclaves in Health Science and South Skaggs Buildings

Last updated: December 7, 2011

I. Purpose
The purpose of this standard operating procedure is to instruct all LAR staff on proper use of the autoclaves in the Health Science and South Skaggs Buildings. The autoclaves are used for sterilizing bedding, food and other necessities.

II. Responsibility
The LAR staff is responsible for using proper autoclave procedures when sterilizing bedding, feed and other items for animal care and use.

III. Procedure

• Press “Cycle Cycle” button
  • Bedding (for bedding, nestlets)
  • SMART Pack (for SMART Pack to test autoclave vacuum)
  • Instruments (for instrument packs)
  • Burn (for feed, biohazardous waste)
• Pull door down to open.
• Apply autoclave tape to the outside packaging of items and include a Steam Sterilization Integrator taped to a package in the middle of the load
• Insert bags of bedding, nestlets, food, etc. into autoclave chamber.
• Push door up to close door
• After door is sealed, the green “Start” light will flash and the monitor will display “Standby”
• Press “Start” button.
• Record cycle and items being autoclaved into autoclave notebook next to autoclave
• When cycle is complete press “Shut off time alarm'
• Wear autoclave gloves when removing items from chamber! They will be hot.
• Push up on door to close door
• Record results of autoclave tape and Castle Steam Integrator into autoclave notebook.
  • If indicators have not changed color/configuration, then the load must be considered to be not sterile. Repeat the autoclave cycle and/or call maintenance personnel to service autoclave.

III. Monitoring Systems

• Autoclave tape: temperature indicator; use a strip of tape in each load
• SMART Pack (SOP): vacuum indicator; use one (1) on first Monday of month
• Biosign SSI Test Pack (SOP): biological indicator and temperature indicator; use once during the first week of earch month
• Castle Steam Sterilization Integrator Strips (SOP): steam/temperature indicator; use one (1) each load