How To Validate an Autoclave: Operational Qualification (OQ) Written by: Amit Gupta Every laboratory strives for consistency and repeatability in its sterilization processes. But this doesn’t come easily. In order to ensure your autoclave operates efficiently it’s critical that you validate the sterilization process and verify that the equipment is working safely and properly. This is known as Operational Qualification (OQ), and it’s one of the most […] Tweet Like Share
Wet Packs: A Quick Guide on How to Prevent a Common Problem in Sterilization Written by: Scott Mechler One of the worst things you will encounter after running a sterilization cycle in your autoclave is evidence of moisture within the chamber or within the load itself. This phenomenon, known as wet packs, may not seem overly concerning but should be taken seriously and investigated. A wet pack is a sign that something is […] Tweet Like Share
How To Validate an Autoclave: Installation Qualification (IQ) Written by: Amit Gupta There is an array of qualification tests that can be conducted to validate an autoclave. Many laboratories validate autoclaves by simply using biological indicators (BI’s). For some labs, however, a simple validation with BI’s is not enough and a more elaborate validation process must be followed. These labs typically require installation, operation, and performance qualifications […] Tweet Like Share
How To Calibrate Your Autoclave (Includes 11 Step Sample Procedure) Written by: Scott Mechler “Calibration” is a word that is frequently used in the steam sterilization industry. This blog post will explore what it is, what is involved in doing it right, alternatives, and the potential effects on an existing sterilization process. What is Calibration? At its very basic premise, calibration is bringing the response of a sensor (e.g. […] Tweet Like Share
Common Steam Autoclave Maintenance Questions, Answered Written by: Amit Gupta Maintaining steam autoclaves in proper working order improves productivity, reduces downtime, extends the life of the autoclave, and helps to ensure overall safety in the workplace. So, to help you maintain your autoclave, we wrote about the importance of autoclave maintenance and shared some basic tips to maintain your equipment in a prior post. In this post, we take the conversation a little deeper, answering common maintenance questions and identifying the critical components on an autoclave that should be inspected periodically by a trained service provider. This is not an exhaustive list of all the autoclave components that should be inspected but merely the major ones. Read more → Tweet Like Share
Understanding Steam Autoclave Ownership Costs: Acquisition Cost vs. Operating Cost Written by: Scott Mechler Whether you’re purchasing a small laboratory autoclave or one for your ambulatory surgery center, a steam autoclave is a significant investment. Beyond budgeting for upfront purchasing costs, it’s critical to understand the overall lifetime costs of owning a steam autoclave, as well. In order to make the best purchasing decision, you need to consider both the initial price tag (the acquisition cost) and the long-term maintenance costs (the operating cost). By combining these costs, you can get the full picture of what it costs to own an autoclave over its entire lifespan. When in the market for your next steam autoclave, it’s important to carefully consider all associated costs — let’s break them down. Read more → Tweet Like Share
Is Your Amsco Autoclave Getting Old? 4 Benefits of a Control System Upgrade to Extend the Life of Your Older-Model Autoclave Written by: Mike Peters Autoclaves typically last more than 20 years, but as they age, so does the technology that supports them. As a result, labs with older model autoclaves/sterilizers—such as Amsco® autoclaves—predictably operate at less than full capacity due to compromised performance. Read more → Tweet Like Share
4 Reasons Why Where Your Autoclave Is Manufactured Matters Written by: Jason Thompson From your car to the food you eat, it’s important to know where things come from. The same goes for autoclaves—you should be aware of where they are manufactured and how this can impact the overall value. In the U.S. market today, there are both foreign and domestic autoclave manufacturers. Autoclaves engineered and manufactured in the United States provide more returns for labs or facilities located in the U.S. than their foreign counterparts. There are 4 essential considerations for evaluating an autoclave manufacturer: Read more → Tweet Like Share
Why Your Autoclaves Are Wasting Water (and Money) and How To Stop It Written by: Scott Mechler Steam autoclaves (also referred to as sterilizers) are common and essential pieces of equipment in today’s microbiology and animal labs; however, they traditionally consume a significant amount of water. Read more → Tweet Like Share
Are You Risking Unnecessary Autoclave Downtime? Written by: Arthur Trapotsis Just like a car, your autoclave should receive routine maintenance to ensure that it works properly today, tomorrow, and for years to come. So, let’s investigate what this really means for laboratories looking to get the most out of their autoclaves. Read more → Tweet Like Share
2.28.24 Setting up your SPD for Success: 8 Reasons to Own a Backup Autoclave → Steam is the most reliable and effective method for sterilizing medical equipment, and as a result, autoclaves are a fixture in almost every ASC’s sterilization setup. But, as is often the case, there are numerous situations in which ASCs find themselves without sufficient sterile processing capacity or a backup plan for when main units are […]
2.7.24 Consolidated Earns ACT Label, Highlighting Commitment to Sustainability → Have you ever wished that you could review an autoclave’s energy and water use, manufacturing impact, and packaging content similar to how you’d read a nutrition label at the grocery store? That’s the idea behind the ACT Environmental Impact Factor (EIF) label. Short for Accountability, Consistency, and Transparency, the ACT label demonstrates the environmental impact […]
7.12.23 Cordyceps Sterilization: How to Kill “The Last of Us” Parasite → In HBO’s recent adaptation of “The Last of Us,” a popular action-adventure video game, life as we know it is upended by a parasitic fungus that transforms its human hosts into zombies. The culprit? Cordyceps, a real-life genus of fungus which is best known for infecting insects (most famously ants) in much the same manner […]
