Bowie-Dick & Vacuum Leak Tests: Autoclave Sterilization Cycles Written by: Arthur Trapotsis The entire purpose of a laboratory or medical autoclave is to, quite simply, sterilize; however, without the proper conditions for sterility, an autoclave may fall short of its mission. Validation is an essential quality assurance measure designed to ensure that your autoclave operates exactly as intended. There are a number of different ways to validate […] Tweet Like Share
Steam Sterilization Cycles, Part 7: Product Lifecycle Testing in an Autoclave Written by: Arthur Trapotsis In our 7th installment of the Advanced Cycles Series, we explore automated product lifecycle testing in an autoclave. Repeated exposure to an autoclave chamber’s extreme temperature and pressure conditions allows Quality Control Specialists to sharply accelerate product aging and evaluate the lifecycle of a product. Typically, this process requires that an individual (e.g. technician, scientist, engineer, etc) spend countless hours in front of an autoclave. What if you could program the autoclave to run multiple sterilization cycles (over multiple hours or days) with the press of a single button? Read more → Tweet Like Share
Autoclave Steam Sterilization Cycles, Part 6: F0 Cycle Written by: Arthur Trapotsis Autoclave efficacy is highly dependent on time, temperature, and pressure, and these parameters can be manipulated and optimized to create specific sterilization cycles for each application. To help your facility get the most out of your autoclave, we introduce the sixth article in our Steam Sterilization Cycles series: The F0 Cycle (pronounced f-sub-zero or f-sub-oh). Read more → Tweet Like Share
Steam Sterilization Cycles, Part 5: Low Temperature Cycle Written by: Arthur Trapotsis Steam sterilizers play a pivotal role in your lab’s research capabilities and throughput. However, how can you safely and properly sterilize load types that are more temperature-sensitive than others? To help you avoid overheating a specific load type, thereby compromising it, we introduce the fifth article in CSS’ ongoing Steam Sterilization Cycles series: Read more → Tweet Like Share
Steam Sterilization Cycles, Part 4: Rapid Cool Cycles Written by: Arthur Trapotsis While not every research facility conducts the same research, most every research facility is interested in improving their overall efficiencies, which includes optimum throughput capacity when it comes to using their steam autoclaves. To help your facility achieve maximum return from your autoclave, we introduce the fourth article in CSS’ series about Steam Sterilization Cycles—part of an ongoing effort to help you leverage the appropriate cycle types for your unique applications. Read more → Tweet Like Share
Steam Sterilization Cycles, Part 3: Steam-Air-Mix Cycle Written by: Arthur Trapotsis When using steam autoclaves, it’s critical to identify, understand, and create the proper sterilization cycle for ALL of your load requirements. So, as part of our series discussing Steam Sterilization Cycles, this third article is designed to explore the Steam-Air-Mix Cycle, a more advanced steam sterilization cycle for unique applications. Read more → Tweet Like Share
Steam Sterilization Cycles, Part 2: Liquids Written by: Arthur Trapotsis Following our first post about Steam Sterilization Cycles—where we addressed Gravity vs. Vacuum Cycles—this second article discusses the Liquids Cycle. Read more → Tweet Like Share
Steam Sterilization Cycles, Part 1: Gravity vs. Vacuum Written by: Arthur Trapotsis Steam sterilization relies on three parameters to eliminate microbes and organisms: time, temperature, and pressure. These parameters can be manipulated into different cycles to meet the sterilization requirements of various types of loads, including red bags, media, glassware, cages, animal bedding, and pipette tips. Although it’s possible to sterilize the vast majority of common laboratory loads using one of three basic cycles — gravity, vacuum (or prevac), and liquid — you’ll want to ensure that your sterilizer offers the appropriate cycles for all of your load requirements. In this article, we’ll explore the first two basic steam sterilization cycles — gravity and vacuum — including how they work and when to use them. Then, in future articles, we’ll discuss additional cycle types, such as liquid cycles, air-overpressure cycles, and a myriad of other, more advanced cycles for specialized applications. Read more → Tweet Like Share
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 […]
10.20.25 What Is an Autoclave Machine Really Used for? [Applications, Costs & More] → Autoclave machines are mission-critical equipment in a variety of industries, from healthcare to biotech, ensuring equipment and materials are sterilized and safe for use. Whether you’re considering purchasing an autoclave for a new facility, replacing a broken one, or expanding your current sterilization capacity, understanding the ins and outs of autoclave technology is key to […]
