Media Autoclave Protocol
1) Cover media container in aluminum foil (left of glassware sink).
2) Mark foil cover with green-and-white-striped autoclave tape (found on cart).
3) Place media container in white tub on autoclave cart.
4) Ensure that a pitcher and a set of orange “Lava Bear Gloves” are also on the cart.
5) Take cart to autoclave room on either the first or second floor.
6) If autoclave is available (turning door will be unlocked), put on gloves, open the door, and pull out the top rack about a foot (do not be alarmed by the awful grating noise).
7) Place white tub with media container on the rack and push back inside autoclave.
8) Using pitcher and sink, fill white tub with about one inch (1“) of water (about 2 pitchers full).
9) Close door gently and lock firmly by turning wheel clockwise (this takes some muscle).
10) On the display left of autoclave door, select appropriate cycle. For volumes 1 liter or less, press “3” twice. For volumes greater than 1 liter, press “4” twice. Autoclave cycle will start.
11) Set timer for 55 minutes and return to lab, leaving cart in autoclave room.
12) After 55 minutes, return to autoclave room. When cycle is completed, unlock autoclave door one inch by turning wheel counterclockwise.
13) Wait for 10 minute decompression cycle.
14) When decompression has completed, put on gloves, continue unlocking autoclave door, and open, taking care not to avoid steam burns.
15) Pull out rack and remove media container from white tub. Place media container on cart.
16) Carefully (spilled water will burn) remove white tub from autoclave and dispose of water in sink.
17) Place white tub on cart, push rack back in, close autoclave door (gently!), and return with cart to lab.