Instant Pot Sterilization
An Instant Pot is good for sterilization in what we call an âEmergency Field Medicineâ type situation. This is not an autoclave. I think itâs fair to consider DIY production an âemergencyâ and so I support its use. Please upgrade to a gravity autoclave if youâre able.
âOnly the Instant Pot brand pressure cooker was able to inactivate G. stearothermophilus endospores, which indicated that it would be the most appropriate choice for a laboratory pressure cooker.â1
How To
Assuming your Instant Pot reaches 115-118°C at 10.2-11.6 psi or greater:
Run your sterilization cycle for at least 150 minutes.
This is true of the IP-DUO80 model2, and a few others they make. They may make other models with different ratings, so check your manual. Greater ratings are encouraged, though lesser ratings are prohibited.
Instant Pot Max Pressure Mode
Some instant pots have a âmax pressureâ mode, which may or may not get up to 15psi. Whatâs important to note is that instant pots do not achieve stable pressure or temperature. They phase in and out of various pressures, with their max rated pressure/temperature. You can not use an instant pot at âmaxâ pressure as if it is a standard autoclave. It is not an autoclave.
I highly recommend that if youâre using max pressure mode that you stick with the research that is linked on this page, and still use the instant pot for at least 150 minutes. There is no research that supports a lesser time.
Donât follow Instant Potâs Sterilization Program
That program is designed for stuff like canning and cleaning. It was not designed to make injectables with.
Consider Upgrading
An upgrade may be within your price range. Look into stove top autoclaves. They leave less moisture behind and we can be more confident that they sterilized our items.
References
Page based on work from HRT Cat
View the library page for access to some PDFs.