Sterilization Pressure Chamber
In late 2014, the Clinical Center, along with the Office of Research and Facilities, completed the installation of a large autoclave, or pressure chamber, used to sterilize equipment.
The autoclave, accompanied by two smaller autoclaves installed in September, serves the Special Clinical Studies Unit (SCSU). The SCSU is an inpatient unit designed with a state-of-the-art infrastructure that allows for isolation capabilities and infection control while patients participate in clinical research studies. Being in close proximity to the high containment unit, used recently to treat patients exposed to or diagnosed with Ebola, allows for the processing of waste on-site. All waste is steam sterilized at temperatures of at least 250 degrees Fahrenheit under pressure for no less than an hour.
Credit: Clinical Center, NIH
Sterilization Pressure Chamber
In late 2014, the Clinical Center, along with the Office of Research and Facilities, completed the installation of a large autoclave, or pressure chamber, used to sterilize equipment.
The autoclave, accompanied by two smaller autoclaves installed in September, serves the Special Clinical Studies Unit (SCSU). The SCSU is an inpatient unit designed with a state-of-the-art infrastructure that allows for isolation capabilities and infection control while patients participate in clinical research studies. Being in close proximity to the high containment unit, used recently to treat patients exposed to or diagnosed with Ebola, allows for the processing of waste on-site. All waste is steam sterilized at temperatures of at least 250 degrees Fahrenheit under pressure for no less than an hour.
Credit: Clinical Center, NIH