Which autoclave do I need?
Which Autoclave Do I Need?
Decision Criteria for Identifying the Right Autoclave for Your Application
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Application Area: To determine which autoclave you need in your clinic or practice, the planned application area is an important decision factor. Depending on the application area, such as dental practice, eye clinic, general practice, ordination, podiatric practice, different regulatory guidelines apply. Additionally, each item to be sterilized is classified into different types. Depending on the type of item, no autoclave or an autoclave of class N, S, or B may need to be used.
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Size and Capacity: Choose an autoclave that suits your needs. Consider the size and capacity of the device and ensure it is suitable for your facility. As a guideline, for example, the Steri24 Class B Pro 23L and the Aqua Plus Thermodesinfector are the most popular in dental practices. A general practice, clinic, or ordination often can do without a thermodesinfector. Podiatric practices usually opt for a very small and compact 3-liter Class B autoclave.
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Sterilization Procedure: There are different classes of autoclaves. Most manufacturers in the medical field classify autoclaves into classes N, S, or B. Class N is the lowest class, and Class B is the highest. A distinction of the classes can be found further down in this article.
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Energy Efficiency: Besides the cost of purchasing an autoclave, operating costs are often an important factor in the purchase. Ensure that the autoclave has high energy efficiency to minimize electricity costs and reduce environmental impact. Warranty and maintenance costs also play a role in the purchasing decision. The Steri24 Class B Pro autoclaves and Aqua Plus Thermodesinfector are particularly energy-efficient. Maintenance costs can be easily anticipated with a maintenance package without hidden costs.
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User-Friendliness: Choose an autoclave that is easy to use and maintain to improve efficiency and safety in operation.
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Approvals and Standards: Ensure that the autoclave meets all required approvals and standards to ensure that it is safe and reliable in operation. Steri24 autoclaves and thermodisinfectors meet all necessary standards in Germany and Austria.
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Price: Consider your budget and choose an autoclave that fits within your price range but also meets the above criteria.
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Documentation: Ensure that the autoclave supports paperless documentation. For example, securing the protocols on a USB stick. Paperless documentation saves time in daily work. According to the RKI, dentists are not required to keep a paper printout if digital documentation is possible. Learn more here.
HOW DOES A CLASS B AUTOCLAVE WORK?
A Class B autoclave is a device used to sterilize instruments and equipment in dental or other medical fields. It is mainly used in practices and other medical facilities.
The operation of a Class B autoclave is based on the principle of steam sterilization. The device generates steam, which heats the instruments and equipment to high temperatures, killing any adhering germs.
The autoclave typically consists of an inner chamber where the instruments and equipment are placed. To carry out the sterilization, the device is started, and the inner chamber is filled with steam. The instruments and equipment are then heated to high temperatures to kill the germs.
Once the sterilization is complete, the steam is vented, the contents are dried using a vacuum process, and the instruments and other items can be removed. Class B autoclaves are generally equipped with safety features to ensure that the sterilization is carried out safely and reliably.
Overall, Class B autoclaves offer a safe and reliable way to sterilize all types of instruments, preventing the transmission of pathogens and ensuring the safety of patients and staff.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AUTOCLAVE CLASSES B, S, AND N?
Autoclaves are classified into different classes depending on their sterilization process and ability to kill germs.
Class B autoclaves use a steam sterilization process combined with a vacuum pump and are capable of killing germs, including spores, from very complex-shaped instruments. They are often used in medical facilities, such as dental practices.
Class S autoclaves typically use a special process. They are usually custom-made by manufacturers for specific sterilization processes and can be used for special, unusual applications.
Class N autoclaves use a sterilization process without a vacuum pump and are capable of sterilizing liquids or objects with simple geometries. They are often used in laboratories and other facilities.
Overall, the choice of autoclave class depends on the requirements of the facility and the type of instruments and equipment that need to be sterilized. It is important to select the correct sterilization process and autoclave class to ensure that all possible germs are thoroughly killed and the safety of patients and staff is maintained.
