Definition: An autoclave is basically a high-quality, regulated pressure cooker. Used tubes and needle bars can be placed in the autoclave and brought to a very high temperature to kill bloodborne pathogens and bacterial agents. Equipment that is properly sterilized is safe to be used repeatedly.
Also Known As: clave, sterilizer
Examples: There are both front and top loading versions of the autoclave. Some are small and portable and are used to carry to tattoo conventions for light loads of equipment. Metal objects only can be placed in the autoclave. Needles should never be reused and should be removed from the needle bar before autoclaving.
