Autoclaves, also known as medical steam sterilizers, are an essential piece of equipment in the medical industry. They use high-pressure steam to sterilize equipment and materials, ensuring they are safe for use on patients. However, despite their reliability, healthcare professionals may make some common mistakes when using autoclaves. These mistakes may not only influence the effectiveness of sterilization but also pose a risk to patients and healthcare workers. Below, we explore in detail these mistakes and offer professional insight on how to avoid them.

Not Using Properly Calibrated Autoclaves

One of the most significant mistakes when using autoclaves is not ensuring they are properly calibrated. Autoclaves must be calibrated regularly to ensure they are functioning correctly and sterilizing equipment and materials effectively. If an autoclave is not calibrated, it can lead to insufficient sterilization, which can put patients at risk of infection.

How To Avoid This Mistake

To avoid this mistake, it is crucial to have your autoclave regularly serviced and calibrated by a qualified technician. This will ensure that your autoclave is functioning correctly and providing effective sterilization. The manufacturer of your specific autoclave may make recommendations on servicing procedures and processes, so be sure to adhere to these best practices for optimal calibration results.

Overloading the Autoclave

Another common mistake when using autoclaves is overloading them with too many items. Autoclaves have a maximum capacity, and if this limit is exceeded, it can lead to uneven heat distribution and insufficient sterilization. This mistake often happens when healthcare workers are trying to save time by sterilizing a large number of items at once. This is an honest mistake but should be avoided where possible.

How To Avoid This Mistake

To avoid overloading the autoclave, it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding its maximum capacity. It may take longer to complete multiple cycles, but it is vital for ensuring proper sterilization and avoiding potential risks. A facility with chronic experiences of overloading may want to consider investing in an additional medical steam sterilizer system. Investing in multiple systems may turn out to be more cost effective in the long run.

Using the Wrong Type of Autoclave for the Materials

Not all materials and equipment can be sterilized using the same type of autoclave. It is crucial to use the correct type of autoclave depending on the materials being sterilized. For example, some sensitive equipment may require a lower temperature or a specific type of autoclave to avoid damage or malfunctioning.

How To Avoid This Mistake

Before using an autoclave, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the different types and what materials they are suitable for. It may also be helpful to have a designated autoclave for specific materials that require special consideration.

Improper Loading Techniques

Proper loading techniques play a crucial role in the effectiveness of sterilization. If items are not loaded correctly, the steam may not be able to reach all surfaces, leading to incomplete sterilization and potential contamination. Without realizing it, these inefficiencies may seep into basic healthcare practices through improperly sterilized tools and devices.

How To Avoid This Mistake

Follow the manufacturer's loading instructions when using an autoclave. It is also important to ensure that there is enough space between items for the steam to circulate and reach all surfaces. A facility should consider conducting regular training sessions for professionals to remain aware of these practices throughout their patient care journeys.

Not Using Biological Indicators

Biological indicators are used to test the effectiveness of autoclaves. These indicators contain spores that are resistant to steam sterilization, and if they are found alive after a cycle, it indicates that the autoclave is not functioning correctly. Not using biological indicators can lead to undetected issues with the autoclave and put patients at risk of infection.

How To Avoid This Mistake

It is crucial to use biological indicators regularly when using an autoclave. These indicators should be placed in the load during every cycle to test for the presence of living spores. Clinicians might forgo the use of biological indicators to save time and energy, but it's a best practice to avoid this common mistake when using an autoclave.

Not Allowing Enough Time for Sterilization

Autoclaves require a specific amount of time to reach the appropriate temperature and pressure for effective sterilization. Not allowing enough time for this process can lead to incomplete sterilization and put patients and professionals at risk.

How To Avoid This Mistake

It is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding the cycle time for your autoclave. This will ensure that the items being sterilized are exposed to the proper temperature and pressure for the required time, leading to effective sterilization.

Ignoring Maintenance and Cleaning

Autoclaves require regular maintenance and cleaning to function correctly. Not performing these tasks can lead to issues with the autoclave's performance, including insufficient sterilization and potential equipment malfunctioning.

How To Avoid This Mistake

It is crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the maintenance and cleaning of your autoclave. This includes regular cleaning of the chamber, changing the water, and ensuring all parts are functioning correctly. The manufacturer may recommend specific dos and don'ts for their devices, and these are to ensure product quality and efficacy.

Not Wearing Proper Protective Gear

Autoclaves use high-pressure steam, which can be dangerous if not handled carefully. Not wearing proper protective gear, such as gloves and safety goggles, can put healthcare workers at risk of burns or other injuries.

How To Avoid This Mistake

All healthcare workers need to wear proper protective gear when operating an autoclave. This includes gloves, safety goggles, and appropriate attire to protect against steam burns. Ensuring a medical facility carries ample PPE gear can help divert these preventable but common mistakes.

Key Takeaways

Autoclaves are vital in ensuring the safety and health of patients in the medical industry. However, they must be used correctly to provide effective sterilization and avoid potential risks. By avoiding these common mistakes, healthcare workers can ensure that their autoclaves function properly and provide safe equipment for patient use.

Cascade Health Care carries a comprehensive selection of autoclaves and other sterilization systems that allow your facility to conduct ethical, safe, and reputable patient care. Shop our inventory today to stock your facility with industry-leading supplies!