Instruction Manual for Centrifuge and Autoclave
Machines
Table of Contents
iii
Table of Contents
Introduction………………………………..……………………………………………………...………….v
History………………………………………..……………………………………………………….……………9
Centrifuge Machines………………………...……………………………………………………….13
Autoclave Machines………………………….....……………………………………..…………..19
Index……………………………………………………….....………………………..…...…………….........25
Introduction
v
Introduction
Purpose of Autoclave and Centrifuge Machines
The autoclave machine operates in many hospital settings to sterilize medical instruments.
The machine removes air from the central chamber and heats the instruments to at least 121°
Celsius. High pressure is exerted on the equipment inside, usually 15 psi, speeding up the
process of sterilization.
Centrifuge machines use centripetal force to separate particles in a liquid solution. Typically
used to separate blood samples in hospital settings, centrifuge machines can also be found in
aeronautic training departments. The force created by spinning a vial of blood around a fixed
axis separates the different components in blood.
Parts of an Autoclave Machine
Autoclave machines use heat and pressure to sterilize equipment. The chamber is the main
area where the equipment is placed. The reservoir holds water for the autoclave to heat, and is
located on the bottom of the machine. On the top of the autoclave is the chamber pressure
gauge, which shows the operator the current pressure. To assure sterilization, autoclave
sterilization tape is applied to the utensils. This tape changes color from white to black when
the utensils have reached the correct temperature for sterilization. After sterilization utensils
are placed in an incubator to cool.
Parts of a Centrifuge Machine
Centrifuge machines spin test tubes at high velocity. The separation chamber contains the tray,
which holds the test tubes. Underneath the separation chamber is the turbine, the motor that
spins the test tubes. Near the bottom of the centrifuge machine is the level control, which
regulates spin of the motor.
History
History
9
History of Autoclave and Centrifuge Machines
Autoclave Machines
The autoclave machine was invented in 1879 by Charles Chamberland. Autoclave machines
grew popular in hospital settings to sterilize medical equipment. Other uses developed, such
as tempering metal for industrial use. Autoclave machines are also used to create wing and
fuselage parts on commercial airliners.
Centrifuge Machines
The centrifuge machine was first envisioned by Benjamin Robins (1707-1751) when he created
a spinning arm to measure drag. Using a modified version of this spinning arm, Antonin
Prandtl separated cream from milk in 1864. This dairy centrifuge gave rise to the continuous
centrifuge separator, created by Gustaf de Laval in 1879. This model serves as a blueprint for
modern centrifuges in hospitals.
Centrifuge Machines
Centrifuge Machines
13
Centrifuge Machines
Overview
Centrifuge machines are widely used to separate the different components in blood, plasma
and red blood cells. The spinning motion forces the heavier red blood cells to sink to the
bottom of the test tube, leaving the lighter plasma on top. Blood is around 55% plasma and
45% red blood cells. Separation of blood is important because the plasma contains antibodies
that prevent disease in people at risk for certain diseases.
Operation
Operation of centrifuge machines should always be closely monitored and should never be
left unattended while in operation. These steps describe general centrifuge use.
1.
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Determine volume of sample fluid
Fill second test tube with equal amount of fluid
Place first test tube in the tray
Place second test tube opposite of the first test tube
Push both tubes into tray securely
Close lid after equalizing the centrifuge machine
Set RPM (rotations per minute) to 13,000
Activate centrifuge machine
Run centrifuge for 15-20 minutes
Open lid to the separation chamber
Remove test tubes
Examine test tubes for cracks and fluid separation
Place separated test tubes in a test tube rack
Centrifuge Machines
15
Safety Rules
Centrifuge machines can be dangerous if handled improperly. Always wear gloves when
handling test tubes to reduce the risk of contaminating the sample. If the centrifuge is
improperly loaded, the test tubes can come lose during rotation and break. This creates a
hazard from broken glass and possibly infected blood.
If a centrifuge is not set at 13,000 RPMs or does not have an equalizing test tube, the blood
may not separate completely. If the blood is improperly separated and the test tube is intact,
repeat the process again for desired results.
Troubleshooting
Many first time or unfamiliar operators will receive incomplete results from the centrifuge
machine. If the blood is improperly separated, try a different machine or rerun the test again.
If the centrifuge vibrates or moves on the table the tray is probably not equalized. To remedy
this problem, fill a second test tube with the same volume of liquid as the sample test tube
and place the second one directly across from the first one in the tray.
If the test tubes will not come out easily, do not force them. By yanking on test tubes, one
increases the risk of breakage. Instead gently wiggle the test tube back and forth until free or
apply lubrication to the external sides of the test tube.
Autoclave Machines
Autoclave Machines
Autoclave Machines
Overview
Autoclave machines are widely used in hospitals to sterilize surgical instruments. The most
common instruments sterilized are:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Flasks
Beakers
Test Tubes
Forceps
Clamps
Scalpels
Pipettes
Glass and metal items are the most commonly sterilized equipment, although some contain
pieces of plastic or wood. The operation remains uniform for glass and metal utensils.
Operation
Operating autoclave machine requires caution. The operator must be sure to set the correct
temperature and pressure to attain sterility.
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10.
Wash equipment with Liquinox Detergent
Allow equipment to dry in the air
Place autoclave sterilization tape on the utensils
Remove the drain hole cap at the bottom right of the machine
Attach water removal tube to the uncapped drain hole
Drain the reservoir of water
Remove water drain tube
Replace cap on the drain hole
Fill reservoir with distilled water
Load autoclave with equipment to be sterilized
19
Autoclave Machines
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Lay all bottles or flasks on their sides and loosely unscrew any caps
Close autoclave door tightly
Turn the temperature knob to “3”
Set time for “20 minutes”
Turn on power and let autoclave run
Turn off power when alarm rings
Allow the machine return to 0 psi
Remove equipment with heat resistant mitten
Place equipment in the incubator to cool
Safety Rules
Autoclave machines can be dangerous. If the door is not properly closed, the instruments will
not sterilize. Sterilization is determined by the autoclave sterilization tape. When the tape
turns black, the utensil is sterile. Unsterile equipment is very hazardous because germs could
be transmitted during an operation. People who acquire diseases from unsterile instruments
typically get internal infections and require hospitalization. Always use the hot object mitten
to remove utensils.
Troubleshooting
If the autoclave sterilization tape does not turn black, the operator must repeat the
sterilization process again. If there are multiple incidences of unsterile equipment coming out
be sure to check all insulation around the door, tubes and valves. Poor insulation can result in
pressure and temperature loss.
If a utensil becomes stuck in the autoclave machine, use forceps to gently wiggle the utensil
loose. Under no circumstances should the operator try to remove instruments with bare
hands.
Index
Index
25
Index
A
Autoclave Machine..........................................................................................................................19
B
Blood Components..........................................................................................................................13
C
Centrifuge Machine.........................................................................................................................13
D
E
F
G
H
History of Centrifuge and Autoclave Machines............................................................................9
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
Operation of Centrifuge Machine..................................................................................................13
Operation of Autoclave Machine...................................................................................................19
Overview of Centrifuge Machine..................................................................................................13
Overview of Autoclave Machine...................................................................................................19
P
Parts of a Centrifuge Machine........................................................................................................v
Parts of an Autoclave Machine.......................................................................................................v
Q
Index
R
25
Reservoir............................................................................................................................................v
S
Safety Rules for Centrifuge Machine............................................................................................15
Safety Rules for Autoclave Machine..............................................................................................21
T
Tape, Autoclave Sterilization..........................................................................................................v
Troubleshooting for Centrifuge Machine.....................................................................................15
Troubleshooting for Autoclave Machine.......................................................................................21
U
V
W
R
X
Y
Z