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Related Concept Videos

Methods of Sterilization I: Physical Methods01:29

Methods of Sterilization I: Physical Methods

As used in a healthcare facility, sterilization destroys all microorganisms through physical or chemical methods. The physical method includes steam, dry heat, boiling water, and radiation.
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 Methods01:30

Methods of Sterilization II: Chemical Methods

In healthcare, the chemical method of sterilization uses chemical sterilants to treat surgical instruments and medical supplies to help prevent the transmission of infectious pathogens to patients. Due to heat sensitivity, most medical supplies and equipment should not be exposed to high temperatures. These parts include rubber, plastic, glass, and other similar elements.
Using chemical sterilization rather than heat to clean out equipment is recommended. It eradicates and removes all bacteria,...
Physical Methods for Controlling Microbial Growth: Temperature01:23

Physical Methods for Controlling Microbial Growth: Temperature

Heat is a widely used method to control microbial growth by targeting and denaturing cellular proteins, thereby killing or inactivating microbes. This method's effectiveness is quantified using parameters such as the thermal death point (TDP), thermal death time (TDT), and decimal reduction time (D value). TDP represents the lowest temperature at which all microorganisms in a liquid suspension are eliminated within 10 minutes, whereas TDT is the time necessary to achieve sterilization at a...

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Principles of Rodent Surgery for the New Surgeon
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Effect of Common Variables on Autoclave Best Practices in Rodent Barrier Programs.

Hannah E Skolnik, Clifford R Roberts, Don R Mabunga

    Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science : JAALAS
    |March 4, 2025
    PubMed
    Summary

    Laboratory animal care autoclaving practices effectively sterilize caging and supplies. Studies confirm steam penetration and substrate heat exposure are adequate for maintaining pathogen-free rodent colonies, ensuring safety and biocontainment.

    Keywords:
    BI, biological indicatorHTLT, high-temperature, low-time cycle programLTHT, low-temperature, high-time cycle programPsia, pounds per square inch absolute

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    Area of Science:

    • Laboratory Animal Science
    • Sterilization and Biocontainment
    • Infectious Disease Prevention

    Background:

    • Maintaining pathogen-free rodent colonies is crucial for reliable research outcomes.
    • Sterilized caging and supplies prevent infectious agent transmission via fomites.
    • Standard laboratory animal care programs rely on autoclaving for decontamination.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate the impact of common autoclaving processes on steam penetration and substrate heat exposure.
    • To determine if standard practices ensure effective sterilization of laboratory animal caging and bedding.
    • To identify factors influencing steam penetration and heat exposure during autoclaving.

    Main Methods:

    • Biologic indicators assessed steam penetration effectiveness.
    • High-temperature data loggers measured substrate cumulative heat exposure (time above 121°C).
    • Experiments tested effects of cage stacking, bedding type, bagging, diet/water presence, and cage change-out intervals.

    Main Results:

    • Adequate steam penetration was achieved for clean bedding, irrespective of type, cycle, or cage location.
    • Soiled bedding experiments showed no significant differences based on bedding type or bagging.
    • Autoclaving with diet and water reduced heat exposure time but maintained adequate steam penetration.

    Conclusions:

    • Common industry autoclaving practices are effective for sterilizing laboratory animal caging and supplies.
    • Institutions should verify their specific autoclaving protocols ensure sufficient steam penetration and heat exposure.
    • Current practices effectively support biocontainment and safety in rodent colony management.