Steam sterilization processes have been used by health care services for over 100 years, representing more than 90% of the sterilization processes in the healthcare environment.
The standard for hospital sterilizers was developed in 1980-1985 and remains valid today. However, during this time the settings of loads in hospitals have changed radically, so the autoclaves have had to adapt to the new demands of medicine. Steam quality, historically provided by hospitals, should now have more demanding specifications (totally free of non-condensable gases NCG). The NCG in the sterilization processes block steam penetration, particularly when sterilizing a load of "hollow" instruments. As a result, the standard EN 285 was amended in 2008 to ensure the sterilization of more complex instruments, such as those used in minimal invasive surgery.
TYPES OF STERILIZATION CYCLES CLASS N AUTOCLAVE:
Where "N" stands for NAKED. They serve exclusively for sterilization of solids. Sterilized instruments may not be transported or stored; it should be instrumental for immediate use.
- Gravity cycle.
- Intended for immediate use or storage for non-sterile application (for example, to prevent cross-infection).
- Do not have a registration system that documents the cycle results.
CLASS B AUTOCLAVE:
Where "B" stands for BIG. They sterilize any load that can be processed in a large sterilizer: solid, porous or hollow load, all wrapped (with single or double layer). These sterilizers have a specific cycle to check vapor penetration.
For all instruments wrapped or unwrapped. Solid, porous and hollow load (length/diameter >5).
- Meet the highest standards for safety and performance.
- Perform gravity and vacuum cycles, including cycles for prions.
- Perform penetration and vacuum test cycles.
- Have data processors and compulsory registration.
CLASS S AUTOCLAVE:
Where "S" stands for SPECIFIC. Autoclaves that have specific cycles defined by the manufacturer, with programs for solid wrapping, porous material and devices with determined diameters and lengths. These sterilizers usually incorporate vacuum pump.
Products specified by the sterilizer's manufacture including:
- Unwrapped solid products.
- At least one of the following:
Small porous or full load.
A Type hollow load
B Type hollow load
Wrapped in one or more layers.
TYPES OF LOADS Load types, which can be introduced in an autoclave for sterilization, are:
Solid load:
non-porous products, without grooves or cracks or other features that may impede steam penetration into the material. Examples of solid load are tweezers, tartar removers, needle holders and mirrors.
Porous load: material that can absorb fluids. Examples of porous load are surgical gowns and gauzes. A type hollow load: length/diameter > 5mm. Example of A-type hollow load would be a turbine. B type hollow load: length/diameter <5 mm. Example of B-type hollow load would be a surgery cannula.
Model
Type of material to sterilize
Features
Unwrapped solids
Wrapped solids
Porous
A type hollow
B type hollow
Prions
Liquids
Test
Drying
Chamber capacity
Water tank capacity
Printer
SA202
YES
YES
NO
NO
NO
NO
YES
NO
NO
10L
N/A
NO
SA232
YES
YES
NO
NO
NO
NO
YES
NO
NO
16L
N/A
NO
SA232X
YES
YES
NO
NO
NO
NO
YES
NO
NO
16L
4,2L
NO
732-02L
YES
YES
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
2L
2,6L
NO
732-R12L
YES
YES
YES
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
YES
12L
4L
OPTIONAL
732-R23L
YES
YES
YES
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
YES
23L
4L
OPTIONAL
SA252F
YES
YES
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
YES
24L
4,2L
NO
SA252F-LI
YES
YES
NO
NO
NO
NO
YES
NO
YES
24L
4,2L
NO
SA260FA
YES
YES
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
YES
24L
4,2L
NO
SA312B
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
NO
NO
B&D
VACUUM
YES
12L
2,6L
YES
SA318B
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
NO
NO
B&D
VACUUM
YES
18L
2,6L
YES
SA322B
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
NO
NO
B&D
VACUUM
YES
22L
2,6L
YES
534-YS-18L-G
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
NO
B&D
VACUUM
HELIX
YES
18L
2,6L
YES
534-YS-18L-E
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
NO
B&D
VACUUM
HELIX
YES
18L
2,6L
YES
534-YS-22L-E
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
NO
B&D
VACUUM
HELIX
YES
22L
2,6L
YES
Accessories and consumables for autoclaves
Water distillers: Autoclaves require distilled water for proper operation and durability, so we recommend purchasing a water distiller that can comfortably provide distilled water. In the following category you may find some models Water distillers
Ultrasonic cleaners: Before putting instruments into the autoclave, it is important to remove any remaining residue on the surface, (have in mind that an autoclave does not clean, only sterilize). For this purpose ultrasonic cleaners are commonly used, which can be found in the following category Ultrasonic Cleaners.
Sterilization pouches and reels:
When the material to sterilize is going to be stored for some time, you will need to keep the materials in pouches or sterilization reels. See our selection in the following category Sterilization pouches and reels
Thermosealers:
To seal the sterilization reels you will need a thermosealer. See our offer in the following category Thermosealers.
Sterilization process indicators:
To verify that the sterilization process is successful, you can use the products in our category Sterilization process indicators.
Sterilizer testing products:
To verify that the autoclave is sterilizing correctly after several cycles you can use the products in our category Sterilizers testers
Self-cleaning product for autoclaves' chamber:
After several cycles, the autoclave will require a deep cleaning of the chamber. We recommend using Cham-Mate1, a self-cleaning product for autoclaves’ chambers; you can find it in the following link Self-cleaning product for autoclaves' chamber
AUTOCLAVE PROCESS STEP BY STEP
1- Open the autoclave and attach the hose to drain water to the proper valve. 2- Turn and loosen the valve to start the draining process. 3- Wait until the water stops flowing. 4- Once finished the draining process, remove the hose and close the valve. 5- Load the material to be sterilized and close the door of the autoclave. 6- Switch on the device. Blinking indicator light means that the device is ready to fill the tank with water. 7- Fill the tank with distilled water and than make sure if it is correctly closed. 8- Select the appropriate program and then press the START button to begin the process. 9- The printer will be printing the report during the whole process. 10- Wait until the process is finished. The digits on the screen will be changing in accordance to the moment of the sterilization process. 11- Once the sterilization is finished the autoclvave will beep. Then you can remove the printed report. 12- Open the autoclave and remove sterilized items. Switch off the machine.