Before your medical practice considers buying a new autoclave, it’s critical to cover all your bases and ask some key questions. The answer to these questions can vary based on medical demands and instrumental specifications. Providing yourself with the most appropriate solutions can help ensure your practice upholds proper sanitization measures.

What Is the Most Appropriate Size for My Needs?

By asking yourself what size autoclave you need, you can ensure your investment serves your practice well. This question opens the door to several others that help you identify the most appropriate system. Some of the details for these questions include the following considerations:

• Measure the floor space available to see if a tabletop or floor-sitting system is feasible.
• Tabletop systems are more affordable, offering freedom and flexibility for small devices or basic instruments.
• Consider the load configurations to accommodate optimal performance features.

What Types of Loads Will the Autoclave Serve?

The load configuration is a priority topic that can serve as a basis for your practice’s specific needs. Once you can identify the load purposes, you can establish a realistic approach to finding a suitable autoclave. The configuration considerations include the following:

• Gravitational autoclaves use gravity displacement, where the steam enters the autoclave’s primary chamber and rises. The steam contains a reduced air density.
• Pre-vacuum accelerated autoclaves require less air and allow the steam to penetrate each product more thoroughly. This system works best for porous goods.

What Is My Primary Steam Source?

You must define your primary steam source in addition to configurational demands. Determine if your devices and instruments have a designated manufacturer’s steam requirement before manual selection. Otherwise, factor in time, safety, and availability regarding house steam options to supply your autoclave.

Do I Have the Right Water?

The water type plays a significant role in the efficacy of the medical autoclave. The overall quality of your water drastically impacts the autoclave’s operational excellence, active components, and the steam generator. Water quality plays an integral role in sterilization efforts because, unfortunately, not all water is equal.

Higher levels of minerals mean the water is harsh, which can be problematic. Mineral deposits in the machine can damage the system and null the sterilized devices.

What Are the Required Utilities?

Planning and preparing the proper installation of your chosen system requires you to consider the necessary utilities. Your new autoclave requires electricity for operations, regardless of tabletop or floor setup. Once you can appropriately accommodate your power source, you must supply a water line no smaller than 3/4-inch that creates a flow of up to 12 gallons per minute.

Additionally, an autoclave requires an adequate drainage source. While drainage is not a utility, it plays a significant role in the ideal placement, which impacts other utility sources.

Here at Cascade Health Care, we are committed to ensuring you ask the tough questions to equip your practice and staff adequately. We carry a range of autoclaves and sterilizer systems suitable for all your practice’s growing demands. Partner with us today to learn more about our trusted selection of medical devices.