Autoclaves

Autoclaves (from the Greek for ""self-sealing"") are used to sterilize medical and surgical instruments that are used in hospitals and medical practices. Autoclaves eliminate all microorganisms that remain from the manufacturing process or the environment by exposing them to high temperatures and subsequent pressurized steam.

Autoclaves operate at high temperatures and high pressure to kill microorganisms on equipment. The instruments are placed in a chamber and exposed to steam at a pressure of 10 psig (pounds per square inch). For example, an autoclave sterilizes medical instruments by maintaining a temperature of 121°C (250°F) for one hour. The treatment time varies depending on the type of equipment being sterilized.

The use of an autoclave in healthcare is crucial for maintaining a safe and clean environment. Autoclaving is one of the most effective methods for killing microorganisms and disinfecting medical instruments, such as surgical tools that may be contaminated with dangerous bacteria.

The History of Autoclaving

Autoclaving has been used since 1879 when Louis Pasteur first discovered that heating liquids to high temperatures could kill microbes. This process became known as pasteurization and was later adapted for medical use by Joseph Lister in 1885. The addition of pressurized steam increased the temperature enough to kill all bacteria present on the equipment, rendering it ""germ-free.""

However, the technique of autoclaving is not limited to the medical field. In the construction industry, autoclaves are used to cure building materials, while in the automotive industry, they are frequently used in tire production. The fundamental working principle of these devices remains the same, with size being the primary difference. Autoclaving is also applied in private households and the food industry—specifically through the use of pressure cookers!

Finding the Right Autoclave for a Practice or Hospital

Autoclaves are classified in descending order according to the alphabet. Class N autoclaves are used for sterilizing simple materials or unwrapped loads. Since Class N autoclaves do not have a vacuum pump, they cannot sterilize packaged instruments. Therefore, this class of devices is classified as auxiliary equipment.

Class S autoclaves can successfully sterilize most instruments. Even solid or multi-layer packaged surgical instruments can be sterilized using Class S. Due to the vacuum pump built into this class, the air inside the chambers can usually be fully extracted. These devices are mainly used in hair and beauty salons, but autoclaves of Class S are also increasingly used in tattoo studios.

Class B autoclaves are generally used in the medical field and are also sold by us. These devices can sterilize all types of medical instruments. Even heavily and complexly packaged instruments or those with highly intricate designs pose no challenge for Class B autoclaves. As a result, they are primarily found in dental and general medical practices. However, they are also used in cosmetic and wellness centers. In addition to the B, S, and N classes, there are specific classifications in the medical field: Class D and Class H, which are also medical autoclaves used in hospitals.

In addition to their classifications, autoclaves also differ in capacity. Smaller devices, such as those used in beauty salons, have a capacity of 8 liters. In larger practices or hospitals, devices with a capacity of 18 liters or 24 liters are commonly used.

Accessories for Autoclaves

Accessories and consumables for autoclaves are also available in our online shop. We offer both specialized accessories, such as beaker holders designed for specific devices, as well as sterilization pouches or transparent sterilization rolls for the sterilization process. For autoclaves with a printing function, we also provide suitable thermal paper and labels. The indicator strips we offer allow you to verify batch control after autoclaving according to the EN 876-5 testing system. Of course, we also carry the appropriate indicators for other classes.