User:Linh N Le/Notebook/2009/06/17/How to use the Autoclave

Initial Check

• On the top of the autoclave is a round opening for DI water
• The cap has a dipstick in it where you can check water levels
  • Note: do not over fill the autoclave. There is a metal spigot inside the filling area that the water level must not rise above

Preparing samples

• Tubes should be placed in the round plastic screw cap containers
  • The cap should be placed upon the top, but not screwed in
• Pipette tip boxes should be opened and their lids on, but not airtight
• All samples must have the special masking tape on them
  • This tape is the manilla with white stripes on it
  • Make a small tab at one end so that the tape can be easily removed for reuse of the container.
• Place the samples onto the tray of the autoclave, leaving space between items

Setup

• After the autoclave has been filled with water and loaded, turn on the green switch to "START"
• Turn the bottom-most dial clockwise to the "FILL WATER" position
• Watch inside the autoclave bottom as water starts to fill it
• When the water reaches the door (There is a small notch before the door) set the bottom dial to "STE"
• Close door and tighten (not too tight because you may damage the gasket)
• With the door closed, set the temperature gauge to 273F (121C)
• Set the timer to 30mins (45mins if this is a cold start)
  • Note: the pressure meter must be between 30-32 psi for the temperature to actually be 273F. If it is not, adjust the temperature gauge accordingly

Liquids

• Only set to 250F and use a non-perforated pan

Drying

• After the timer is done, a small "ding" will be heard
• Wait for the pressure to reach 0 psi
• Open the door slightly
• Set the bottom-most dial to "EXH + DRY"
• Set the timer knob to 20-30mins
  • The DRY light should be on now
• When the timer expires, change the bottom most knob to the "0" position
• Open door and remove samples

No drying

• After the timer dings set the bottom most knob to "EXH + DRY"
• When the pressure gauge reaches 0 psi, turn the bottom most knob to the "0" position
• Open door and remove samples

Liquids

• Let the pressure reach 0
• Switch bottom knob to "0"
• Open door and enjoy