Share thisSterilization in laboratory animal facilities has recently seen several changes aimed at decreasing costs; increasing workplace safety and comfort; and minimizing wear on cages and equipment.
Traditional steam sterilizing processes use an autoclave – a pressurized device used to transfer heat in order to sterilize the contents. In order for the device to work properly, the autoclave must not be overcrowded, and the lids of bottles and containers must be ajar. Also, the autoclave bears initial cost, operating cost (steam boiler, distribution lines, high volumes of water, and licensing of operators), and maintenance costs.
Though steam heat sterilization has been efficient, dry heat is an alternative method to pass-through autoclaves. Dry heat sterilization kills all pathogens and bacteria and provides an array of economical and technological solutions.
What is dry heat sterilization?
Dry heat sterilization is the process of sterilizing containers using hot air. Dry heat can take the form of still or convection. Still heating uses no blowers or moving air. Convection heating uses blowers or fans to keep the heated air moving, reducing the time it takes to heat the environment to the setpoint. Made of stainless steel, carbon steel, or other suitable metals, typical dry heat sterilizers can be used to sterilize animal cages and biological/chemical contaminants.