Lindinger S, Shell W, Weyermair K, Sattler T, Schmoll F, Schildorfer H. Autoclaving as a Routine Method for the Decontamination of Animal Carcasses in a Biosafety Level 3 Facility.
APPLIED BIOSAFETY 2022;
27:210-218. [PMID:
36761993 PMCID:
PMC9902044 DOI:
10.1089/apb.2022.0014]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Introduction
Carcasses from animal experiments with RG-3 pathogens should be decontaminated onsite in Austria.
Objective
The aim of this study was to find out if the use of pass-through autoclaves for the decontamination of animal carcasses (up to 40 kg of weight) could serve as a routine method for smaller laboratories, as the installation of special carcass decontamination plants may be cost prohibitive.
Methods
Biological indicators (BIs) were implanted into the carcasses of animals of different sizes and species with a novel method using stainless steel pipes. The bodies were placed in autoclavable plastic bags and equipped with thermal probes by insertion through the rectum. Subsequently a factory default autoclave cycle for liquids was performed, which holds a core temperature of 121°C for 20 min.
Results
The weight of the carcasses ranged from 1 to 42 kg, the duration of the individual cycles reached from 2.2 to 17.23 h. Decontamination was successful every single time as shown by the BIs. The application through the natural orifices with the help of the application tools seems to offer a reliable alternative for implanting the BIs into the carcasses without creating new openings. Insulation properties did not pose substantial challenges to the process. Limitations on the packaging procedure were identified in carcasses larger than 30 kg.
Conclusion
Based on the results of this study, using pass-through autoclaves represents an option as a routine method for the decontamination of animal carcasses up to at least 40 kg.
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