| Approved by: S. Thompson | SOP No. LBL04002 |
| Signed: | Effective from: |
| Date: | Last edited: |
This describes the operation of the Melag EuroKlav 29V-S with regard to the preparation of microbial culture media.
This should be observed every time the autoclave is used within the LBL BioLab for media preparation.
The operator of the autoclave is responsible for their own safety and that of others in the vicinity during its use. The particular risks presented in using this piece of equipment are primarily due to the high temperatures generated, steam and high pressures. There is also a risk of the shattering of sealed glass containers if air is trapped.
The operator is responsible for ensuring complete sterilization of containers, glassware, tubes, media and equipment. To ensure environmental microbes do not contaminate the target microbe strain.
The main consumables for the autoclave are RO water and autoclave tape.
RO water needs to be regularly topped up, into the hatch on the top of the machine.
The autoclave tape should be used to seal items to be sterilized and is stored on the shelf nearby. Order replacement from Sigma [1] or appropriate similar product.
| [1] | https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/catalog/product/aldrich/br61750?lang=en®ion=GB |
For sterilization of liquid media up to 1 litre, that requires 15 minutes @ 15 psi and 121 C, please use the “Gentle Programme”;
For sterilization of liquid media of greater volumes than 1 litre, you need to preheat the autoclave and place the material to be sterilized in the autoclave 15 minutes before starting the programme. This is to ensure that the bulk volume of liquid comes up to temperature in time for the main sterilization phase.
Then run for 15 minutes @ 15 psi and 121 C using the "Gentle Programme":