Is It Time to Upgrade or Replace Your Autoclave? Written by: Jason Thompson Autoclaves are often a mission-critical tool and, like all machinery, do experience wear and tear as a result of frequent use. Inevitably, there will come a time when you replace your unit to ensure consistent autoclave performance. Here are some guidelines around when it may be time to upgrade or replace your autoclave: The autoclave […] Tweet Like Share
Your Go-To Guide for Autoclave Safety [w/ Free Checklist!] Written by: Scott Mechler Autoclaves, also known as sterilizers, are designed to disinfect, decontaminate, and sterilize laboratory equipment using incredibly hot, pressurized steam. As a result, there are a number of potential risks associated with operating an autoclave, such as steam burns, hot fluid scalds, and hand and arm injuries when closing the autoclave door. In order to avoid […] Tweet Like Share
Decontaminating N95 Masks with Steam Sterilization Written by: Amit Gupta Can N95 Masks be steam sterilized for reuse? This article attempts to answer this question by giving a review of the current literature and taking a closer look at N95 filter types and materials of construction. The ability to autoclave N95 masks would be ideal because autoclaving is a proven sterilization process and existing autoclave […] Tweet Like Share
Consolidated Autoclave Installation at BSL-3 Coronavirus Laboratory Written by: Arthur Trapotsis With researchers around the world hard at work to develop a vaccine for SARS-CoV-2, also known as the novel coronavirus, an increasing number of research facilities are working to achieve BSL-3 certification in order join the fight to find a cure. In order to conduct research using coronavirus isolates or cultures, laboratories must receive biosafety […] Tweet Like Share
8 Common Autoclave Problems You Should Know Written by: Scott Mechler In an ideal world, laboratory autoclaves would always work exactly as intended. Unfortunately, issues can and do arise — the key to resolving them is knowing what to look for. In this article, we’ll outline seven of the most common autoclave problems and how to identify them. Key Takeaways: Most autoclave problems are the result […] Tweet Like Share
Decontamination, Disinfection & Sterilization: What You Need to Know Written by: Scott Mechler Written by Scott Mechler with Support from Amit Gupta. With news relating to the COVID-19 pandemic reaching a fever pitch, there’s been increased attention on what we as individuals and organizations can do to prevent transmitting the virus, which can last on surfaces anywhere from several hours to several days. As a result, deep-cleaning services […] Tweet Like Share
N95DECON Scientific Consortium Compiles Critical Research on N95 Mask Written by: Arthur Trapotsis April 2, 2020 – The ongoing shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), including N95 masks, during the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis has forced many hospitals, care centers, and first responders to reuse their limited supply of critical resources. This lack of protective devices puts healthcare workers at increased risk of infection by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which […] Tweet Like Share
Biosafety Level Guidance for COVID-19 Research Written by: Scott Mechler What biosafety level is required to handle samples and/or perform research containing the SARS-CoV-2 virus? Read on for the latest recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Background A Biological Safety Level (BSL 1, 2, 3, or 4) is assigned to a biological lab as a safeguard to protect laboratory personnel, as well as […] Tweet Like Share
COVID-19 Update: Consolidate Sterilizer Systems Staying Open Written by: Arthur Trapotsis 03/25/2020 Consolidated Sterilizer Systems will remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has designated 16 critical infrastructure sectors that are deemed to be crucial to the nation’s economy, security, and health. Consolidated is supporting our clients in the Healthcare and Public Health Sector. This Sector is vital to the economic […] Tweet Like Share
Covid-19 Pandemic: Face Mask Disinfection & Sterilization for Viruses Written by: Scott Mechler UPDATED 04/10/2020 New information regarding Covid-19, SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) and the reuse of N95 masks is being released at an increasing rate. CSS will attempt to update this page in a timely manner to reflect important changes. However, as information is rapidly changing, CSS is not able to guarantee that the information […] Tweet Like Share
5.14.26 Consolidated Selected as Small Business Manufacturer by the University of California → What Set Us Apart Throughout the RFP process, Consolidated stood out for our: Relationship with UC, which predates this agreement, with many campuses already standardized on our autoclaves Low cost of ownership through non-proprietary parts and third-party service models, including local service Built-in water- and energy-saving features Support for both in-house and generator steam Custom […]
12.10.25 Introducing SterilSteam Sampler, The Steam Condensate Sampler for AAMI ST108 Compliance → Released in 2023, AAMI/ANSI ST108 establishes water quality requirements for water used in the cleaning, rinsing, disinfection, and sterilization of reusable medical devices. In addition to these requirements, ST108 mandates quarterly testing of steam condensate quality to ensure incoming steam does not stain instruments or pose a risk to patient safety. To help healthcare facilities […]
11.6.25 AAMI ST108 & Critical Water for Autoclaves: What ASCs Need to Know → A major step forward in patient safety, ANSI/AAMI ST108 establishes new minimum water quality requirements for water used in the cleaning, rinsing, disinfection, and sterilization of reusable medical devices. Despite providing guidance on water quality management for sterile processing, ST108 has also created confusion, especially regarding test protocols, water treatment, and critical water requirements. In […]
