Abstract
The National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC) conducts research at Animal Biosafety Level 3 (ABSL-3) and ABSL-4. At NBACC, all solid waste in ABSL-3 and ABSL-4 must be sterilized by a validated method before it leaves the containment suites for disposal. Carcass biomass differs across laboratory animal species and its composition differs compared to solid disposable laboratory waste and reusable materials like scrub suits. Successfully sterilizing carcasses requires cycle parameters that differ from those used to sterilize other forms of solid waste and smaller animal species. Surgical placement of the biological indicators (BI) was employed to ensure steam penetrated the carcasses completely. In this article the authors describe a process for validating autoclave cycles using readily available animal carcasses that mimic the biomass of the non-human primate and guinea pig carcasses planned for use in future studies, to accurately develop a cycle that takes into account weight, mass, and muscle depth as well as the moisture content inherent in carcasses. The results demonstrate the extended time duration required for the sterilization phase of the cycle and the effect of increased carcass mass on the ability to validate autoclave cycles.