Sterilization is critical in all niche laboratories, from infectious disease research to microbiological analysis of food. Sterilization is designed to kill bacteria, viruses, diseases and fungi and can prevent the spread of contaminants in the laboratory and outside.

So why is sterilization important in the lab?

Sterilization is an efficient method to kill pathogens and prevent the diffusion and spread of pollutants.

Measured sterility

“Sterility” is not a black and white term, but is measured in probabilities. This is called the sterility assurance level (SAL) and is used to calculate the probability of a single unwanted microbe remaining on a surface after the sterilization process has been completed. Basically, it estimates the effectiveness of the sterilization process, expressed as 10−n.

Now that we know more about sterilization, let’s explore why sterilization is important in the lab. There are two fundamental reasons why all laboratories must follow strict sterilization procedures. We summarize as follows:

Prevent the spread of pathogens

A key role of sterilization is to kill pathogens and prevent their spread and spread. Sterilization is particularly important in laboratories dealing with highly infectious diseases and viruses. For example, all laboratories currently working on COVID-19 must follow strict sterilization protocols to ensure that the virus does not contaminate other surfaces and escape the laboratory.

Protect the integrity of laboratory samples and experiments

In addition to preventing the spread of pathogens, sterilization also plays an important role in protecting the integrity of laboratory research. Without a rigorous sterilization process, laboratories run the risk of cross-contamination between samples and experiments, which can affect research and results.

Vacuum pulsating autoclave uses saturated steam as sterilization medium. When the saturated steam condenses, a large number of latent thermal physical properties are released, so that the sterilized articles are in a state of high temperature and high humidity. After a period of insulation, sterilization is achieved.