In the world of medicine, sterility is not a luxury, but a necessity. The autoclave, also known as a steam steriliser, is an indispensable piece of equipment in every medical and dental practice that significantly supports the safety and effectiveness of patient treatment. This is because numerous instruments are used in medical and dental practices every day, which must be sterile in order to avoid cross-contamination and infections.
An autoclave is a device that sterilises medical and surgical instruments using saturated steam under high pressure. This process is one of the most effective ways to kill all microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses and spores. The function of the autoclave is based on the principle that moist heat penetrates faster and more effectively than dry heat, making sterilisation efficient and reliable.
Choosing the right autoclave depends on various factors, including the size of the practice, the type of instruments to be sterilised and the frequency of use. Here are some important aspects to consider:
Capacity: Choose a model whose capacity matches your daily needs. Autoclaves that are too large consume energy unnecessarily, while those that are too small can cause inefficient running times and bottlenecks.
Efficiency: Modern autoclaves offer fast cycles and low energy consumption, saving time and money in a busy practice. Look for models with good energy efficiency ratings.
Ease of use: A user-friendly interface is crucial to make the sterilisation process as simple and error-free as possible. Devices with touchscreens and pre-programmed cycles make daily work much easier.
Maintenance and service: Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and effectiveness of your autoclave. Choose models for which you can easily obtain spare parts and which are supported by a service that is fast and competent.
Sterilisation in an autoclave is based on the principle of saturated steam sterilisation. The process utilises steam under high pressure that reaches a higher temperature than the boiling point of water, typically between 121°C and 134°C. These high temperatures together with the pressure allow the steam to effectively kill all microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and spores.
Steps of the sterilisation process
Preparation of the instruments: The instruments to be sterilised must first be thoroughly cleaned and prepared if necessary. This may include sorting, oiling and wrapping in sterilisable film.
Loading the autoclave: The prepared instruments are loaded into the autoclave. It is important that the instruments are arranged in such a way that the steam can circulate freely. Overloading or incorrect arrangement can lead to ineffective sterilisation.
Sterilisation cycle: The autoclave is closed and the sterilisation cycle is started. The cycle runs through several phases:
Heating phase: The autoclave heats the steam and builds up pressure.
Sterilisation phase: The steam is kept at a constant temperature and pressure in order to achieve the required microorganism kill rate. The duration of this phase depends on the type of instruments and the specific sterilisation requirements.
Drying phase: After sterilisation, the steam is removed and the instruments are dried to remove moisture residues that could cause recontamination.
Unloading and cooling: Once the cycle is complete, the instruments must cool down in the autoclave. The autoclave can only be opened and the instruments removed once the pressure has been completely released and the temperatures have dropped to a safe level.
Post-processing and use: The sterilised instruments are now ready for storage or immediate use. They should remain in their sterile packaging until they are needed to maintain sterility.
The correct use of an autoclave is critical to the safety and effectiveness of sterilisation processes in medical facilities. By understanding how it works and how the process works, healthcare professionals can ensure that all instruments are sterilised correctly, contributing to overall patient safety and infection control.
