+23 Installation Gallery Small Sterilizer Spec Sheet Medium Sterilizer Spec Sheet Single Door Autoclaves for Animal Cages & Vivarium Sterilization From veterinary clinics and animal shelters to zoos and research laboratories, facilities of all kinds rely on autoclaving to thoroughly sterilize animal cages, vivariums, and other related equipment. Consolidated Sterilizer Systems manufactures state-of-the-art autoclaves designed to support a wide range of equipment types and meet these facilities’ high throughput requirements, all while complying with stringent industry sterilization standards. Single Door Hinged Autoclave - Product Video Play Video Single Door Autoclaves for Animal Cages & Vivarium Sterilization Made In the USA Lowest Total Cost of Ownership Proven Quality & Reliability Intuitive, Easy-to-Use Controls Downloadable Resources eBook: 17 Questions to Ask Before Buying Your Next Autoclave The 17 questions asked and answered in this ebook will help you to make informed decisions by outlining what is most important to consider and know about buying an autoclave. Download Now Types of Loads Consolidated’s Sterilizers Can Handle Steam sterilization is the most reliable and effective way to remove bacteria, microbes, and other contaminants from animal cages, vivariums, and other animal care equipment. Autoclaving is also the preferred sterilization method according to numerous industry guidelines, including IACUC protocols. Common autoclave loads for research laboratories, veterinary hospitals, and other facilities include: Plastic and metal cages Wire lids and racks Bedding and nesting materials Feed containers Water Bottles Toys and enrichment devices Transport cages Forceps and scoops Waste disposal containers Cage racks Shelving units Key Considerations for Sterilizing Animal Cages & Vivariums Sterilizing animal cages, vivariums, and care equipment comes with unique challenges that require specialized autoclave features. No matter what type of facility you’re purchasing an autoclave for, choosing the right unit will help you maintain hygiene, extend equipment lifespan, and meet strict biosecurity standards. Chamber size and capacity Bulk cage racks require large-capacity autoclaves capable of handling oversized loads. Material compatibility Look for units that offer both high- and low-temperature settings to avoid material degradation. Steam penetration and drying Units with gravity or vacuum sterilization cycles ensure uniform penetration in stacked cages or densely packed bedding and prevent mold growth. Cycle customization Consolidated autoclaves enable you to set custom programmable cycles for different load types. Biohazardous waste handling Cycle validation and documentation capabilities support compliance reporting. Regulatory compliance Autoclaves for animal cages and vivariums must meet standards set by IACUC, AAALAC, APHIS, and ISO. Popular Consolidated Autoclaves for Animal Cages & Vivarium Sterilization 3AV-HC Chamber Size 20″ x 20″ x 38″ # of Trays (25 lb max) 3 Lbs per Cycle 75 Chamber Vol. (liters) 249 26AV-HC Chamber Size 26” x 2”6 x 39” # of Trays (25 lb max) 9 Lbs per Cycle 225 Chamber Vol. (liters) 432 26BV-HC Chamber Size 26” x 26” x 49” # of Trays (25 lb max) 12 Lbs per Cycle 300 Chamber Vol. (liters) 544 Shop Autoclaves Animal Cages & Vivarium Sterilizer Cycle Selection All of Consolidated’s sterilizers are equipped to run multiple steam sterilization cycle types. Facilities that sterilize animal cages and vivariums will find the following cycle-types especially useful based on their particular needs: Gravity Cycle The most basic sterilization type, a gravity cycle uses gravity to replace air in the chamber with steam via a drain port. Gravity cycles are best suited for fabric packs, unwrapped and wrapped instrument trays and glassware. Pre-Vacuum Air is mechanically removed from both the chamber and the load through a series of vacuum and pressure pulses. This allows the steam to penetrate porous areas of the load that couldn’t otherwise be reached with simple gravity displacement. Pre-vacuum cycles are best suited for double-wrapped instrument trays and fabric packs. Liquids A liquid cycle is the same as a gravity cycle, though it uses a slower exhaust rate to minimize boil-over. Liquid cycles are best suited for media, LB broth and water.A liquid cycle is the same as a gravity cycle, though it uses a slower exhaust rate to minimize boil-over. Liquid cycles are best suited for media, LB broth and water. Bowie-Dick Test Cycle Daily air removal test. Looking for other cycles? Explore more Cycles Frequently Asked Questions We’re always here to help. Here are some frequently asked questions about autoclaves for animal cages and vivarium. See All Sterilization FAQs What size autoclave do I need to sterilize animal cages and care equipment effectively? The ideal autoclave size depends on your facility’s throughput requirements and the size of your largest loads. Consolidated Sterilizer Systems offers autoclaves for animal cages and vivariums with chamber sizes ranging from 16” x 16” x 26” to 24” x 36” x 72”, as well as dual-chamber tower units. How do I ensure proper steam penetration for bulky loads? To ensure proper steam penetration, arrange loads so that there is adequate space between goods. Selecting the appropriate sterilization is also key. For example, autoclaves with vacuum cycles can remove air pockets, ensuring steam reaches all surfaces. A built-in dry phase can also prevent moisture buildup and bacterial growth on cages and bedding. Can an autoclave sterilize multiple types of animal care equipment in the same cycle? Yes, as long as the materials are compatible with the chosen sterilization cycle. For example, if you’re sterilizing metal transport cages and autoclave-safe plastic bowls and water bottles at the same time, be sure to choose a low-temperature cycle. Consolidated’s autoclaves enable you to pre-program custom sterilization cycles for different loads, including mixed materials. What materials used in animal cages and accessories are safe for autoclaving? A wide variety of materials, including stainless steel, polysulfone, and high-temperature plastics, are generally safe for autoclaving. Liquid media and animal bedding can also be autoclaved but must be placed in specialized containers. Low-quality plastics and other delicate items may degrade or warp under high heat or pressure. Always consult the manufacturer’s instructions for use before autoclaving any material. How often should animal cages and care equipment be sterilized? Sterilization frequency will depend on your facility’s sanitation protocols and the type of equipment you’re sterilizing. In most facilities, animal cages, care equipment, and other accessories are often sterilized between each use to maintain cleanliness and prevent cross-contamination. Can I sterilize animal bedding and waste materials along with cages? Yes, but it’s best to run separate cycles for these materials, as bedding and waste materials can produce excess moisture and prevent effective steam penetration. For best results, run sterilization cycles designed for porous loads or consider pre-treatment options for biohazardous waste. Don't Buy Until You Read this eBook Start Your Search for a Medical-Grade Autoclave with Our Free eBook, “17 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Medical Autoclave”! Download It Now
