Documentation:Standard Operating Procedures for Tuttnauer 3870EA Autoclave

Standard Operating Procedures for Tuttnauer 3870EA Autoclave

1. Please obtain proper training from the FNH teaching lab technician Imelda Cheung (Imelda.Cheung@ubc.ca) prior to using the autoclave.
2. Before operating the autoclave, check the water level from the top reservoir. If there is not enough water, please ensure to fill with distilled and deionized water. It is important to have enough water but the water level should not cover the safety valve holder.
3. Turn on the rocker switch at the bottom of the front panel.
4. The autoclave contains two metal racks. The top rack can be removed when needed. The bottom rack should not be removed because it allows space for water to enter the chamber to produce steam for sterilization.
5. Sample/waste handling prior to autoclave:
   • Biohazardous wastes must be placed in clear autoclave bag, with an autoclave indicator tape placed in a visible location. The bag should be loosely open to allow steams in and be placed in a metal tray.
   • Samples, glassware or media bottles must also be placed in metal tray in case of spills.
6. Place the metal tray containing samples in the chamber. Make sure there is space between samples/equipment to allow steam to make contact during the cycle.
   • Note: It is recommended to include a chemical indicator strip once every few loads to ensure proper sterilization conditions were met.
7. Close the door and shut tight. The Close Door indicator light will illuminate green. However, it is important to tighten the door bolt until “hand tight” to achieve a tight seal.
   • Note: Do not overtighten as it will damage the gasket.
8. Select the program from the control panel. Check on the display to ensure proper temperature, pressure and drying time are displayed.
   • LIQUIDS – 121oC, 15 min, no drying time
   • WASTES – 121oC, 60 min, no drying time
   • GLASSWARE – 121oC, 15 min, 15 min drying time
   • DRYING ONLY – 10 min drying time
   • Note: If you would like to customize a special cycle, please consult with Imelda before proceeding.
9. Select START CYCLE to begin the sterilization process. The display will show the progress of the process. This autoclave is also equipped with a printer that will keep log of the sterilization progress.
10. User should ensure to record in the logbook and keep the print-out in the provided envelope.
11. For each autoclave run, you must sign the logbook. Failure to do so will result in revoke of autoclave use.
12. When the sterilization time is complete, a buzzer will ring for 5 seconds and the START light switches OFF.
13. Open the door and unload the chamber with care. Use the provided oven mitten to handle the hot items.
    • Note: You should be careful as steam will be burning hot!
14. If you have further samples/wastes, return to step 6 and repeat.
    • Note: Please allow 15 minutes in between cycles so the autoclave will not overheat.
    • If you are running multiple cycles, please check the water reservoir to ensure sufficient ddwater is still available.
15. If you are done with the autoclave, dry the chamber with the cloth, close the door and turn off the autoclave.

NOTE: If you notice any anomalies with the autoclave before, during or after using the autoclave, please notify Imelda Cheung immediately.