Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026

A Flame-Free Method for Sterilizing C. elegans Picks, Spatulas, and Scalpels
Published on: March 4, 2022
Changes in the light intensity of the fiberoptic laryngoscope blade by steam sterilization
1Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan. nishit-tky@umin.ac.jp
Background:
I investigated the effects of steam sterilization on light intensity of reusable fiberoptic laryngoscope blades.
Methods:
Six new reusable fiberoptic Macintosh laryngoscope blades were steam sterilized. The light intensity was measured, the tip of the blades was photographed, and the light intensity of six new plastic disposable Macintosh laryngoscope blades was also measured.
Results:
The light intensity of reusable blades exceeded that of the disposable blades after 20 sterilizations, but was significantly lower after 80 sterilizations. The photographs showed irregular lighting of the blades, which increased with repeated sterilization.
Conclusions:
Disposable plastic blades provide more illumination than reusable fiberoptic blades subjected to repeated sterilization.
Related Concept Videos
Methods of Sterilization I: Physical Methods
Steam sterilization uses non-toxic, low-cost moist heat in the form of saturated steam under pressure, which is fast, microbicidal, and sporicidal, and quickly warms and penetrates fabrics. Autoclaves, or steam sterilizers, expose each item to direct steam contact for a predetermined time at the necessary...
Methods of Sterilization II: Chemical Methods
Using chemical sterilization rather than heat to clean out equipment is recommended. It eradicates and removes all bacteria,...
Cleaning, Sterilization, and Disinfection
Cleaning
The cleaning process usually involves using water with detergents or enzymatic cleaner and removing foreign material from objects and surfaces, including organic material such as body fluids or inorganic material like soil. Cleaning is performed before high-level disinfection and sterilization because foreign materials on the cover of the devices interfere with process...
Physical Methods for Controlling Microbial Growth: Radiation and Filtration
