Autoclave Bags are Ideal for Medical Applications

In hospital and clinical settings, nothing is more important in fighting the spread of germs than sterilization. But the high costs of medical supplies means that many tools have to be reused rather than discarded and exchanged for something brand new. That’s where autoclave bags come in.

Biohazard, or autoclave, bags and films are uniquely constructed plastic bags that can be exposed to steam at a high pressure in order to render the bags’ contents decontaminated and sterile. The bags meet FDA regulations and they are especially suited for lab equipment that has come into contact with human cells, bacteria, viruses, spores, vaccines and blood products. Dental offices, veterinary clinics and tattoo shops are also common users of autoclave bags.

Many scientists believe that autoclaving is one of the most dependable methods available for use in the decontamination and sterilization of laboratory supplies and medical wastes. Typically made of polypropylene that is 2.0 to 8.0 millimeters thick, they come in virtually any size and can be imprinted with an indicator that will change color when the disinfection process is complete. Most bags are made to withstand temperatures up to 310 degrees Fahrenheit. Because polypropylene is impermeable to steam, most bags are also equipped with a drain screen or ventilator which allows steam heat to exit the bag during processing.

Because autoclave bags are often used in the disposal of biomedical waste products like cell cultures and blood, they are made to be completely impervious to moisture and are resistant to abrasions, ripping, tearing or bursting under normal conditions so that the bag contents will not leak. In addition, autoclave technology is often used with pouches that house sterile needles and other medical equipment prior to use. The edges of these bags are heat-sealed and are not opened until the exact time that they will be used.

In closing, whatever your application, autoclave bags are ideal for any occasion where sterility is of the essence. Whether you are disposing of medical waste or disinfecting supplies for future use, autoclave technology is the most dependable means of sterilization.