Cleaning medical tools and devices is a vital part of safe and ethical health care. All facilities must adhere to proper safety protocols, including sterilizing any reusable metal instruments. But are autoclaves and steam sterilization the same thing, and if so, how do they work? We explore these processes below so your facility can invest in or upgrade your device cleansing system.

A Closer Look at an Autoclave

Many use the terms autoclave and steam sterilization synonymously, but an autoclave applies to medical tools, and steam sterilization can apply to anything in need of sterilizing. Autoclaves apply a steam sterilization method to eradicate harmful spores, bacteria, viruses, and fungi on vital tools and instruments.

The best way to understand if autoclaves and steam sterilization are the same thing is to consider the sterilization process like a tree, with the autoclaves being a branch on this tree. While, yes, the goals are the same, autoclaves are best for medical sterilization demands, and general sterilization can work in a range of applications.

What Is Steam Sterilization?

Steam sterilization has clear and direct advantages, including offering a nontoxic cleansing environment to the intended tools or instruments. In general, steam sterilization applies various factors depending on the devices and their existing grime. Things such as time, pressure, temperature, and moisture all create the sterilization environment, and users can apply these factors in variable settings based on culture conditions.

How the Autoclave Works

So, how does the autoclave work? Now that we know what steam sterilization is and that autoclaves are suitable for medical tools, we’ll explore the science behind autoclaves. Most autoclave machines will experience the sterilization process in a series of phases: conditioning, exposure, and exhaust.

The conditioning phase is where the system removes all the air, either by vacuuming or flushing, depending on the system’s design. When conditioning finishes and the air is thoroughly removed, the exposure phase will begin. This phase involves a series of rapid-fire steam injections until the right pressure and temperature are reached inside the chamber. The items inside the chamber will be kept in the pressurized environment for the required time to conduct proper sterilization. The exhaust phase releases the trapped steam and allows the contents in the chamber to dry.

Cascade’s Commitment to Clean

At Cascade Health Care, we are proud of our commitment to keeping your facility clean and safe. We offer affordable and industry-leading medical sterilizers and autoclaves for every organization. Shop our distinct inventory of sterilization tools and keep your staff and patients safe and healthy.