Temperature-tolerant, flexible containers used to hold waste or other items during autoclaving/sterilization. Available in multiple sizes and colors. May include a sterility indicator.

Autoclave bags are single-use, flexible bags designed to contain waste or other items during autoclaving/sterilization.

Autoclaving is a process that destroys microbes and other potentially infectious substances. The process is used to sterilize surgical instruments, labware, media, and other materials before use and to treat infectious waste before disposal.

Autoclaves and sterilizers reach and maintain a temperature of 121°C for at least 30 minutes and use saturated steam under a minimum pressure of 15 psi.

Autoclave bags are temperature tolerant and are typically made from:

• High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
• Polypropylene (PP)
• Polyamide

Some autoclave bags include a sterility indicator, such as printing that does not appear unless the successful autoclave conditions are met. They may be clear, translucent, red, or orange and may be imprinted with the biohazard symbol or have text printed in English, Spanish, or both.

You can find autoclave bags in multiple capacities, from less than one gallon to 44 gallons. They are also available in various thicknesses and from dimensions of 10 x 10 inches to as large as 37 x 48 inches.