How long can LB broth sit out before autoclaving?

Question

Last night I put LB broth into the autoclave and left, another co-worker told me after about 15 minutes of sterilization the autoclave went on alarm (checking the paperwork the autoclave DID sterilize for 15 minutes at 121 C) and she could not get it to restart- now I have 40L of LB that I am not sure is good- the autoclaves will be fixed today- is it possible that this LB is okay to use? Or could it be re-autoclaved? Thanks.

Answer 1

I expect it's fine to use; I don't autoclave medium for more than 20 minutes, and that's probably more tradition than a magic number.  I would try it (or re-autoclave it if you prefer - worst case is it caramelizes a bit) and see what happens.  I just wouldn't want to make it over - that is a LOT of LB!  I'd be especially unconcerned if you're going to be adding antibiotics to it.