Inside the laboratory, the risks of being contaminated and infected with the pathogens inherent in each specimen handled are deadly real. Aside from the obvious way of having these infective microorganisms enter the system via blood spill out, air droplets and direct skin contacts, their ever persistent presence and dormancy in the occupational area pose as lethal as other factors could be. That is why it is always observed that within the laboratory premises, each individual, especially the laboratory workers and technicians, is strictly advised to wear protective suits and observe aseptic precautions.
Talking about microbial infections, there are no other sections inside the laboratory that is much exposed to harmful bacteria and viruses than the microbiology’/bacteriology department itself. Inside this region of the entire clinical workplace, religious practice of proper disinfections is given much importance. Ranging from the signature tag line of alcohol application, medical technologists that are involved in the cultural studies and microscopic examinations of bacteria resort to various alternatives such as heat sterilization, chemical neutralization, and ultraviolet radiation. In terms of the specifics, these bacteriologic microscopists use formaldehydes, strong acids, alcohol burners and UV lamps to bring the desired antiseptic result. Unknown to many, however, microbiologic experts affirm that certain forms of bacteria develop some kind of resistance against these chemical agents. With continued use of these bactericidal solutions, some strains of bacteria are able to evolve and undergo some phase of mutation so as render these agents ineffective and useless. In addition to this, medical experts working on the microscopic aspect of bacteriology reveal that bacteria are capable of forming the so-called bacterial spores.
When in this form, these organisms are capable of posing a very formidable defense against any anti-bacterial element, no matter how concentrated or potent the solution is. Seeing this problem, clinical technicians see to it that man is always on top of the situation, and hence, adopt a brave new way of battling these bacteria within the laboratory. Instead of reverting back to the old ways of alcohol application, burning and the like, a new type of equipment was intently designed to antagonize whatever type of defense the bacteria can offer. Given this entire premise then, an autoclave was crafted. Working behind the principle of heat sterilization under pressure, the autoclave is like a mana from heaven as all problems related to acquiring infection from the practice of bacteriologic microscopy were significantly reduced. The specific of its working principle include a high-pressure one hundred and fifteen (115) pounds per square inch of force plus a screeching heat above water boiling point which registers at one hundred and twenty one (121) degree Celsius. With these statistical entries, concerns regarding the equipment’s safety rise up as this amount of pressure is dangerously exposed to the medical technologists. To solve this issue, manufacturers equipped this autoclave with built-in pressure reliever bulb as excess compacts of force are slowly released at their minimum level. In addition, a readily available thermometer is attached so as to provide temperature monitoring device to the bacteriologic microscopists.
