Lab.

Instruments Practical Lecture 5

Hot Air Oven

Hot Air Oven is commonly used for dry heat sterilization. Dry heat sterilization
is a method of controlling microorganisms. It employs higher temperatures in the
range of 160-180°C and requires exposures time up to 2 hours, depending upon
the temperature employed.
The benefit of dry heat includes good penetrability and non-corrosive nature
which makes it applicable for sterilizing and metal surgical instruments. It is
also used for sterilizing non-aqueous thermostable liquids and thermostable
powders.
Dry heat destroys bacterial endotoxins (or pyrogens) which are difficult to
eliminate by other means and this property makes it applicable for sterilizing
glass bottles which are to be filled aseptically). Dry heat kills by Oxidation,
Protein Denaturation and toxic effects of elevated levels of electrolytes.
Hot Air Oven, which is usually used for the dry heat sterilization is consists of the
following parts:

• An insulated chamber
surrounded by an outer
case containing electric
heaters.
• A fan
• Shelves
• Thermocouples
• Temperature sensor
• Door locking controls

How to operate a Hot Air Oven?

• Articles to be sterilized are first wrapped or enclosed in containers of

cardboard, paper or aluminum.
• Then, the materials are arranged to ensure uninterrupted air flow.
• Oven may be pre-heated for materials with poor heat conductivity.
• The temperature is allowed to fall to 40°C, prior to removal of sterilized
material. The reason for the gradual cooling period is to avoid the cracking of
glassware as well as preventing air (that could potentially contain
contaminating organisms) entering the oven.

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Lab. Instruments Practical Lecture 5

Advantages

• This treatment kills the bacterial endotoxin, not all treatments can do this.
• Protective of sharps or instruments with a cutting edge (fewer problems with
dulling of cutting edges).
• Dry heat sterilization by Hot Air Oven does not leave any chemical residue.
• Eliminates “wet pack” problems in humid climates.

Disadvantages

• Plastic and rubber items cannot be dry-heat sterilized because temperatures

used (160–170°C) are too high for these materials.
• Dry heat penetrates materials slowly and unevenly.
• And the Oven requires a continuous source of electricity.

Safety Guidelines

• Before placing in Hot Air Oven

i) Dry glasswares completely

ii) Plug test tubes with cotton wools
iii)Wrap glasswares in kraft papers. Do not overload the oven. Overloading
alters heat convection and increases the time required to sterilize.

• Allow free circulation of air between the materials.

• The material used for wrapping instruments and other items must be porous
enough to let steam through but tightly woven enough to protect against dust
particles and microorganisms.