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Frequently Asked Questions

What liquids should not be autoclaved?

Liquids in sealed containers, flammable or reactive chemicals, seawater, radioactive liquids, acids and bases, or any solutions that contain chlorine or bleach are not safe to sterilize in an autoclave. Before placing any load in an autoclave, consult the manufacturer’s instructions for use to ensure material compatibility.

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How can I prevent boil-over?

To prevent boil-over during the exhaust phase, release chamber pressure slowly.  This process is controlled by the sterilizer’s control system. Controlling the exhaust rate allows the liquid load to cool off as the surrounding chamber pressure decreases.

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I still have growth in my liquid media after autoclaving. What’s wrong?

It’s important to set the proper sterilization time for your given volume of liquid. Refer to this page for more information on autoclaving liquids.

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Can culture media be autoclaved?

Yes. Most types of culture media — including both agar-based and liquid formulations — can be safely autoclaved. However, it’s important to use the correct cycle parameters, such as a liquid cycle with a slow exhaust phase, to prevent boil-over and maintain media integrity.

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Does all culture media need to be sterilized before use?

Culture media must be sterilized in nearly all research, clinical, and industrial settings before use to eliminate any unwanted microbial contaminants. Pre-purchased media may arrive sterile, but media prepared in-house or stored in non-sterile conditions must always be sterilized or filtered prior to use.

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How do you sterilize culture media and solutions?

It’s common to autoclave culture media and solutions using a liquid cycle. This cycle applies high-pressure saturated steam for a specified time and includes a slow exhaust phase to reduce the risk of boil-over. Media should be placed in autoclavable containers and loosely capped to allow for proper steam penetration and pressure equalization. All liquids […]

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Can you autoclave plastics?

Yes. Many types of plastics can be autoclaved, provided they are specifically labeled as autoclave-safe. Common autoclavable plastics include polypropylene, polycarbonate, and polysulfone, all of which can withstand typical sterilization temperatures without melting or degrading. Autoclavable plastics rated as such and will list a maximum allowable temperature.

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What sterilization method is suitable for plastic items?

Steam sterilization is the most widely used — and preferred — method for sterilizing plastics in laboratory and healthcare settings. It offers rapid microbial inactivation but must be carefully controlled to avoid damaging heat-sensitive materials.

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What plastics cannot be autoclaved?

Plastics such as polystyrene, polyethylene, and PVC typically cannot be autoclaved, as they tend to melt, deform, or release harmful chemicals when exposed to high heat and pressurized steam. Always verify whether a plastic container or component is autoclave-safe before using steam sterilization.

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What temperature do you sterilize plastics at?

All autoclave-safe plastics are rated with a maximum temperature or specific time at temperature cycle parameters. Often, autoclave-safe plastics also list a required loading configuration to ensure proper sterilization and no damage. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for use documentation before autoclaving plastic components.

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