Frequently Asked Questions
Dermatologie – key questions answered clearly.
Which autoclave is suitable for a dermatology or skin doctor's practice?
Our Klasse B (Class B) autoclaves to EN 13060 are suitable for dermatology practices. Depending on the volume of instruments, the compact Pro 3 L or the Pro 12 L is usually the right choice; for higher throughput a larger model is also an option. The fastest way to determine the optimal size is via our autoclave configurator.
Do I absolutely need a Klasse B autoclave in dermatology?
As soon as you reprocess critical instruments that come into contact with blood or mucous membranes (e.g. punches, scalpel handles, surgical forceps), a Klasse B autoclave is mandatory. Ultrasonic, UV or hot-air devices are not sufficient for this.
What does Klasse B mean in an autoclave?
Klasse B (Class B) refers to full-fledged steam sterilizers using a fractionated vacuum process, which reliably sterilize packaged, hollow and porous instruments as well. For instrument reprocessing in medical facilities, a Klasse B device is mandatory in Germany.
What is the difference between Klasse B and Klasse N?
Klasse B sterilizes packaged, unpackaged, hollow and porous instruments using a vacuum process. Klasse N may only sterilize unpackaged, solid instruments and is not permitted in human medicine. For a dermatology practice you need a Klasse B device.
How large should the autoclave be for my skin doctor's practice?
The right size depends on the quantity and length of instruments per cycle. For low volumes the 3 L is often sufficient; for busy treatment days the 12 L makes sense. The configurator suggests the right size based on your needs.
How fast does a sterilization cycle run?
The compact Pro 3 L offers a quick programme from approx. 7 minutes, so instruments are quickly available again in everyday practice. The exact duration depends on the selected programme and the load.
Do I need a fixed water connection?
No. Our devices are stand-alone autoclaves with an integrated fresh and waste water tank and are filled manually with distilled or demineralized water. A fixed water connection is optionally available and can also be retrofitted later.
Which water do I have to use for the autoclave?
Use distilled or demineralized water with low conductivity. Commercially available distilled water from a drugstore, supermarket or hardware store is suitable. Tap water and technical battery/iron water are not suitable and can damage the device.
Do I meet the RKI requirements with the device?
Yes. All devices are Klasse B to EN 13060. You document every batch in an audit-proof manner via USB and thermal printer; on request we carry out initial validation and maintenance on site.
Do I need a sealing device for dermatological instruments?
For many dermatological instruments, self-sealing sterilization pouches are sufficient. A sealing device is possible but not strictly necessary – this depends on your instrument volume.
Can I pay for the autoclave in instalments?
Yes. Instalment payment is usually possible via Klarna or PayPal, so you can conveniently spread the purchase over several months. Just get in touch with us.
Are there interest charges or fees for instalment payment?
With instalment payment via external providers such as PayPal, interest may apply; the exact terms are shown to you before purchase. The applicable conditions of the respective payment provider apply.
Why is instalment payment not displayed with my business account?
Instalment payment via external providers is usually only possible with private accounts. Leave the company name and VAT number fields empty when ordering, and the option will usually be displayed.
Is instalment payment also possible from Austria or Switzerland?
Yes, from Austria and Switzerland instalment payment is usually possible via Klarna. In addition, we offer payment by bank transfer or advance payment. You can see the available options in the shopping cart.
I don't know Steri24 – why should I switch?
Steri24 sells directly – without going through depots or middlemen – and handles service itself. This gives you a dense on-site service network like that of established expensive providers, but at fairer prices. Manufacturer since 1957.
How reliable are inexpensive autoclaves compared to expensive branded devices?
Our Klasse B autoclaves meet the same EN 13060 standard as established higher-priced devices and sterilize just as fully. The price difference results from direct sales without middlemen, not from lower performance.
How long does an autoclave last?
With regular maintenance, our autoclaves achieve a long service life of many years. Compact devices such as the 3 L have a somewhat shorter service life than the larger models due to their smaller vacuum pump.
How do I document sterilization in an RKI-compliant way?
Via USB and thermal printer you document every batch in an audit-proof manner – without any complicated technology. You can print protocols directly or save them to USB, ideal for inspections.
Is validation mandatory in dermatology?
As soon as you reprocess critical instruments used on humans that come into contact with blood, validation is mandatory; the basis is, among others, the MPBetreibV. Anyone who does not reprocess such instruments is usually not obliged to do so.
What does validation of an autoclave mean?
Validation is a formal test that proves your autoclave and the entire reprocessing process meet the applicable standards and sterilize reliably. It is usually carried out every two years on site with your instruments as the load.
Must validation be carried out on site?
Yes, validation must be carried out on site with your instruments as the load, as it tests the actual conditions at the place of use. Sending the device to the factory is not possible for this.
Can I carry out the validation later and use the device beforehand?
Yes. Initial validation is a process validation and can also be carried out after commissioning; the autoclave is ready for use immediately after delivery. Validation can be commissioned at any time.
How does validation work?
An accredited validator tests the autoclave and process on site with measuring sensors – including a vacuum test, an empty-chamber profile and several sterilization runs with your instruments. You then receive a validation report.
Can I carry out the validation myself?
No. Validation must be carried out by an accredited validator with special measuring equipment and cannot be performed yourself. Steri24 handles the complete process on site; in principle it can also be carried out by another accredited provider.
At what interval are maintenance and validation due?
Maintenance and revalidation are usually due every 24 months, earlier with very high usage. This applies regardless of the actual number of cycles. Combining both services in a single appointment is more cost-effective.
Is maintenance required even with low usage?
Yes. Maintenance is required by law every 24 months, regardless of the actual number of cycles. Only with very high usage is it due earlier.
What does a maintenance contract include?
A maintenance contract covers the required maintenance and extends the warranty. We remind you in good time, arrange the appointment and take care of the execution, spare parts and report. The contract itself is free of charge.
What warranty is there on the devices?
As standard you receive a 2-year warranty, extendable to up to 3 years when concluding a maintenance contract. We will gladly provide details in the no-obligation quote.
Do you handle setup and commissioning?
On request, our technicians handle delivery, installation and commissioning in accordance with the Medical Devices Act, as well as initial validation on site. However, you can also set up the device yourself according to the manual.
Can I set up the autoclave myself?
Yes. According to the manual, you may carry out setup and commissioning yourself – you only need a power socket and distilled water. Instructions and videos are available; instruction via video chat is also possible.
Does service come on site throughout DACH?
Yes. In Germany, Austria and Switzerland we have trained technicians and service partners for installation, validation, maintenance and repair. With 39 locations and over 150 partners we are quickly on site.
Is there an emergency service?
Yes. Through our service network with numerous locations and partners in the DACH region, we offer a 24h emergency service – also at the weekend. Directly from the manufacturer, without middlemen.
Do you also offer service after the warranty expires?
Yes, we maintain and repair your device even after the warranty has expired – also without a maintenance contract. The usual service and spare parts costs then apply.
What happens to my old autoclave?
We advise you on switching, take back your old device and dispose of it properly – also regardless of manufacturer. This makes the switch easy with no extra effort for you.
My current device is getting on in years – is a new purchase worthwhile?
Many dermatology practices come to us because their autoclave is getting on in years and they are looking for a reliable, fairly priced device with good service. We advise you on switching, including old-device take-back, installation and instruction.
How quickly is the device available for delivery?
Devices are usually available at short notice. On request we handle delivery, installation and commissioning as well as initial validation on site. We will gladly tell you the current availability.
Do I additionally need an ultrasonic cleaner?
An ultrasonic cleaner complements the autoclave for the pre-cleaning of instruments but does not replace it. For the effective sterilization of critical instruments, the Klasse B autoclave is absolutely essential.
What is the difference between cleaning, disinfection and sterilization?
Cleaning removes contamination, disinfection reduces germs, and sterilization in the autoclave inactivates all microorganisms including spores. Critical instruments must be sterilized in the Klasse B autoclave after reprocessing.
Can hollow instruments and fine dermatological instruments also be sterilized?
Yes, our Klasse B autoclaves are suitable for hollow bodies as well as for flexible and critical A/B instruments. The only exceptions are instruments that the manufacturer expressly labels as not autoclavable.
Must instruments be sterilized packaged or unpackaged?
Critical instruments that come into contact with blood must be sterilized packaged so that sterility is maintained until use. Non-critical and semi-critical instruments may be sterilized unpackaged.
How do I store packaged sterile goods correctly?
Store packaged sterile goods protected from dust and in such a way that the sterile barrier remains undamaged – ideally upright or with the paper side facing down, film to film and paper to paper.
How many instruments fit in a device?
This depends on the size: the 3 L has 2 trays, the 12 L has 3 trays for around 18 packaged instruments, larger models accordingly more. For a precise recommendation, it is best to use the configurator.
What should I do if the sterile goods are still damp after the programme?
Residual moisture can have several causes, such as loading, drying or the gasket. Please fill out the service form at steri24.de/help, then a technician will get in touch to resolve it.
What does the message 'poor water quality' mean?
The message appears when the water has stood in the tank too long or the filters are exhausted. Empty and clean the tank, fill in fresh distilled water from a new canister; if the message persists, fill out the service form at steri24.de/help.
What does an error in the vacuum test mean?
A vacuum test error usually indicates that air is flowing into the chamber and that the door gasket needs to be adjusted or replaced. You will find a quick guide on the inside of the door; if that does not help, fill out the form at steri24.de/help.
Does the Klasse B autoclave have a bacterial filter?
Yes, Klasse B autoclaves have a bacterial filter that is replaced depending on usage or when the device displays a corresponding message. After the change, reset the message with the enclosed code.
What running costs arise besides the device?
Besides the routine maintenance and validation, some consumables are required, such as bacterial filters, steam indicator test strips and distilled water. In the value pack you receive the matching accessories as a bundle.
Which standards and approvals do the devices meet?
Our Klasse B autoclaves are built to EN 13060 and CE-certified via TÜV SÜD. They thus meet the requirements for professional instrument reprocessing.
Who has to carry out sterilization in the practice?
Reprocessing must be carried out by personnel with the necessary expertise, and every batch must be released as documented after a successful check. Our devices support you with audit-proof batch documentation via USB and thermal printer.
How do I find the right device for my practice?
The fastest way is via our autoclave configurator: in about two minutes you receive a suitable recommendation including accessories for your practice. Alternatively, we are happy to advise you by phone or prepare a no-obligation quote.
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