Incubator vs. Autoclave — What's the Difference?

A device for growing and maintaining microbiological cultures.

A device for sterilization using high-pressure steam.

An apparatus used to maintain environmental conditions for cell growth.

A high-pressure chamber used for sterilizing laboratory waste.

Equipment used in neonatal units to maintain optimal conditions for premature babies.

A machine used in laboratories to sterilize equipment.

A machine that provides controlled temperature and humidity for hatching eggs.

A sterilization tool used in tattoo parlors and dental clinics.

A tool in biotech and medical research for cultivating biological samples.

Equipment for killing bacteria and viruses on medical tools.

An enclosed apparatus in which premature or unusually small babies are placed and which provides a controlled and protective environment for their care.

An autoclave is a machine used to carry out industrial and scientific processes requiring elevated temperature and pressure in relation to ambient pressure/temperature. Autoclaves are used in medical applications to perform sterilization and in the chemical industry to cure coatings and vulcanize rubber and for hydrothermal synthesis.

A place, especially with support staff and equipment, made available at low rent to new small businesses

A strong, pressurized, steam-heated vessel, as for laboratory experiments, sterilization, or cooking.

An apparatus in which environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity, can be controlled, often used for growing bacterial cultures, hatching eggs artificially, or providing suitable conditions for a chemical or biological reaction.

A strong, pressurized, heated vessel, as for laboratory experiments, sterilization, cooking or mineral processing.

(Medicine) An apparatus for maintaining an infant, especially a premature infant, in an environment of controlled temperature, humidity, and oxygen concentration.

(transitive) To sterilize laboratory equipment in an autoclave.

A place or situation that permits or encourages the formation and development, as of new ideas

(cryptography) autokey

An organization that provides new businesses with technical and support services and usually low-cost office space or infrastructure.

A kind of French stewpan with a steam-tight lid.

(chemistry) Any apparatus used to maintain environmental conditions suitable for a reaction.

A device used for sterilizing objects by exposing them to steam at above atmospheric pressure (and thus at a temperature above the normal boiling point of water). It consists of a closed chamber able to withstand internal pressure, and a means of passing superheated steam into the chamber. Autoclaves are made in various sizes, and are much used in hospitals and research laboratories to render instruments and equipment sterile.

(medicine) An apparatus used to maintain environmental conditions suitable for a newborn baby.

A device for heating substances above their boiling point; used to manufacture chemicals or to sterilize surgical instruments

An apparatus used to maintain environmental conditions suitable for the hatching of eggs.

Subject to the action of an autoclave

A place to maintain the culturing of bacteria at a steady temperature.

(business) A support programme for the development of entrepreneurial companies.

That which incubates, especially, an apparatus by means of which eggs are hatched by artificial heat.

An apparatus containing an enclosed chamber, used for the cultivation of microörganisms or tissue cultures by maintaining a suitable temperature and atmospheric composition. Some incubators have no provision for maintaining a special atmosphere, while in others, especially for anaerobic organisms and tissue culture, the moisture level and composition of the gases are also controlled.

An apparatus consisting of enclosed chamber, for maintaining prematurely born babies in a favorable environment until able to thrive under normal conditions. The temperature and level of oxygen in the atmosphere may be controlled.

Apparatus consisting of a box designed to maintain a constant temperature by the use of a thermostat; used for chicks or premature infants

Typically, autoclaves operate at temperatures above 121°C.

Some advanced incubators can control CO2 levels for specific culture needs.

No, autoclaves primarily use high-pressure steam for sterilization.

In most labs, especially those dealing with biological materials, autoclaves are essential.

Autoclaves are suitable for heat-resistant materials but not for heat-sensitive items.

Yes, for germinating seeds and growing plant tissues.

Yes, they're also used for hatching eggs and caring for premature babies.

Yes, particularly in neonatal units for premature infants.

Advanced models can simulate various conditions, including temperature and humidity.

Yes, regular monitoring is necessary to ensure optimal conditions.

It varies, depending on the type of culture and conditions set.

If not used properly, the high pressure and temperature can be hazardous.

Yes, for sterilizing canned food and beverages.

Most clinics, especially those performing procedures, have an autoclave for sterilization.

Regular maintenance is crucial for safety and efficacy.