| In hospital and clinical settings, nothing is more | | | | bags are made to withstand temperatures up to |
| important in fighting the spread of germs than | | | | 310 degrees Fahrenheit. Because polypropylene is |
| sterilization. But the high costs of medical supplies | | | | impermeable to steam, most bags are also |
| means that many tools have to be reused rather | | | | equipped with a drain screen or ventilator which |
| than discarded and exchanged for something | | | | allows steam heat to exit the bag during |
| brand new. That’s where autoclave bags | | | | processing. |
| come in. | | | | Because autoclave bags are often used in the |
| Biohazard, or autoclave, bags and films are | | | | disposal of biomedical waste products like cell |
| uniquely constructed plastic bags that can be | | | | cultures and blood, they are made to be |
| exposed to steam at a high pressure in order to | | | | completely impervious to moisture and are |
| render the bags’ contents decontaminated | | | | resistant to abrasions, ripping, tearing or bursting |
| and sterile. The bags meet FDA regulations and | | | | under normal conditions so that the bag contents |
| they are especially suited for lab equipment that | | | | will not leak. In addition, autoclave technology is |
| has come into contact with human cells, bacteria, | | | | often used with pouches that house sterile |
| viruses, spores, vaccines and blood products. | | | | needles and other medical equipment prior to use. |
| Dental offices, veterinary clinics and tattoo shops | | | | The edges of these bags are heat-sealed and are |
| are also common users of autoclave bags. | | | | not opened until the exact time that they will be |
| Many scientists believe that autoclaving is one of | | | | used. |
| the most dependable methods available for use in | | | | In closing, whatever your application, autoclave |
| the decontamination and sterilization of laboratory | | | | bags are ideal for any occasion where sterility is |
| supplies and medical wastes. Typically made of | | | | of the essence. Whether you are disposing of |
| polypropylene that is 2.0 to 8.0 millimeters thick, | | | | medical waste or disinfecting supplies for future |
| they come in virtually any size and can be | | | | use, autoclave technology is the most dependable |
| imprinted with an indicator that will change color | | | | means of sterilization. |
| when the disinfection process is complete. Most | | | | |