Autoclaves are used to sterilize equipment, reagents, and hazardous waste in laboratories. Most labs are equipped with large autoclaves, which are often over-sized for the needs of the lab (or the building).
Autoclaves are a necessity in the lab, but there are smart and not-so-smart ways of using them. For example:
Even though your department may already have several autoclaves, it's possible that the savings realized by using an energy- and water-efficient autoclave could justify retiring an older one.
Autoclaves are a necessity in the lab, but there are smart and not-so-smart ways of using them. For example:
- Consolidate loads. Don't run an autoclave to sterilize a single box of pipette tips.
- Right-size your autoclave. If you don't need a massive autoclave, use a smaller one instead.
- Consider energy- and water-efficiency when purchasing autoclaves.
Even though your department may already have several autoclaves, it's possible that the savings realized by using an energy- and water-efficient autoclave could justify retiring an older one.