Скачать или смотреть Essential Sterilization Techniques for Labs!

Sterilization is a critical process in laboratories to eliminate all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores, from surfaces, instruments, and media. This ensures accurate results in experiments and prevents contamination in clinical and research settings.

🔹 Common Sterilization Techniques:
Autoclaving (Steam Sterilization)

Uses: Glassware, surgical instruments, culture media

Method: High-pressure saturated steam at 121°C for 15–20 minutes

Kills: All microorganisms, including spores

Dry Heat Sterilization

Uses: Metal instruments, powders, glass syringes

Method: Hot air oven at 160–180°C for 1–2 hours

Kills: Microorganisms by protein denaturation and oxidation

Filtration

Uses: Heat-sensitive solutions like serum, antibiotics

Method: Passing liquid through a filter (usually 0.22 µm)

Removes: Microorganisms without heating

Chemical Sterilization

Uses: Plastics, rubber, medical devices

Agents: Ethylene oxide gas, formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde

Action: Disrupts microbial cell walls and proteins

Radiation Sterilization

Uses: Disposable medical items, tissue grafts

Types: Gamma rays, electron beams, UV rays

Mechanism: Damages microbial DNA and prevents replication

🔹 Importance of Sterilization:
Prevents cross-contamination

Maintains sterile environment for culture work

Ensures patient and lab safety

Increases reliability and accuracy of lab results

Proper sterilization is the backbone of safe and effective laboratory operations. Each technique is selected based on the nature of the item and the type of microorganism to be eliminated.