autoclaving agar plates (again)

[cosmo]

Hi there,
I'm using a benchtop autoclave to sterilise some bug plates before disposal .
Have read all the posts on this wonderful forum, but am a little confused about the oven bag situation.
In my previous life in medical research we used big built-in autoclaves, and the proceedure was that the bags had to be cut open to allow the steam access to do its job.
So should I leave the oven bags open, or will this result in a very yukky autoclave interior not to mention potential aerosol production at the start of the process when the air is venting ?
I also have concerns about using autoclave tape as an indicator of sterilisation, but the autoclave indicator strips seem quite expensive (around $40/100). Would love to hear others' thoughts/ideas.

thanks for a fantastic resource

[Lis]

Hi Kate

I was like you last week, only I have used my presure cooker for the first time, I just crossed my fingers and hoped for the best. I didnt seal the oven bag, put water in the bottom, on the hot plate got the pressure up, cooled it down and did it again, they came out a lovely gloop , and no mess in the pressure cooker . I had no escaped steam or smell (like with the microwave ). I waited till it had totally cooled before I opened it. I am not sure if this is how everyone else does it, and if others seal their bags, would like to hear how it goes, cos they burst in the microwave

Cheers
Lisa

[bella]

hi Lisa and Kate, when I autoclave my used plates I don't use an oven bag. I put the still sealed plates in the autoclave baskets and re-sterilize them for 25 mins @ 121 degrees. Let them cool so that the agar goo sets again then empty and clean.Seems like we all di everything differently.
cheers deb

[lygray]

Hi ,
I have a pressure cooker to sterilise plates. I put the petri dishes sealed in an oven bag with a small amount of water and loosely tie the top. Put water in the pressure cooker and sterilise for 30 mins. and hope for the best. i don't have autoclave tape. i have to hope it reaches correct temperature and pressure.
I was told to put a small amount of water in the oven bag to create steam inthe bag - this works better apparently.
i let it cool completely and then empty, wash petri dishes.
Don't have any bad odours and not too messy.

Lyn