What is an autoclave and how sterile are you?

All equipment, tools, needles and jewelry that the Axiom uses are wrapped in a proper wrapping, sterilized in an Autoclave and then stored until needed. For more information on the Axiom methods of sterilization and etc.. go to The Axiom Policies and Procedures page.

An Autoclave is defined at http://www.xrefer.com as "A vessel in which high temperatures can be achieved by using high pressure; the domestic pressure cooker is an example. At atmospheric pressure water boils at 100 °C; at 5 lb (35 kPa) above atmospheric pressure the boiling point is 109 °C; at 10 lb (70 kPa), 115 °C; at 15 lb (105 kPa), 121 °C, and at 20 lb (140 kPa), 126 °C". The most common cycle is 121°C under 15psi for 15 minutes. once an item has been autoclaved it can be considered sterile and autoclaving is to date the most effective method. The Concise Medical Dictionary, Oxford University Press, © Market House Books Ltd 1998 defines sterilization as "the process by which all types of microorganisms (including spores) are destroyed. This is achieved by the use of heat, radiation, chemicals, or filtration." and sterile as "1. (of a living organism) barren; unable to reproduce its kind (see sterility). 2. (of inanimate objects) completely free from bacteria, fungi, viruses, or other microorganisms that could cause infection."