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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of horizontal autoclaves do you manufacture?

Our horizontal autoclaves come in a variety of different configurations, including tower, pass-thru, hinged, and vertical sliding models.

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What are horizontal autoclaves used for?

Horizontal autoclaves are valued for their versatility and are used across several industries for a wide range of applications, including surgical instrument and laboratory equipment sterilization, decontamination of hazardous waste, and growth media preparation.

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What is the difference between a horizontal and vertical autoclave?

While a horizontal autoclave features a chamber that’s horizontally oriented and accessed via the front of the unit, a vertical autoclave’s chamber is vertically oriented and top-loading. This leads to a smaller footprint for vertical autoclaves, as horizontal models sit in a wide frame to position the chamber at an ergonomic height for loading and unloading.

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What is a horizontal autoclave?

Horizontal autoclaves are a type of steam sterilizer that has a horizontally oriented chamber. This makes them an ideal sterilization solution for large loads and irregularly shaped items. The wider access point also enables easier loading and unloading.

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What are the different types of autoclaves?

The two most common types of steam sterilizers are gravity displacement autoclaves and high-speed prevacuum autoclaves. Both types of autoclave come in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from tabletop units to room-sized bulk units, with a vast array of customization options, such as vertical sliding doors, double-door pass-thru chambers, and stackable dual chambers.

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How long do items stay sterile after autoclaving?

It depends entirely on how items are packaged after sterilization. Generally speaking, items should be re-sterilized after each use, but items packaged in double-wrap linen packs or an inner layer of paper and outer layer of plastic have been proven to remain sterile for up to 96 weeks.

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What are the phases of sterilization?

The general process for using an autoclave to sterilize goods breaks down into three basic phases: The purge phase, during which steam displaces air within the autoclave chamber and temperature and pressure steadily increases The exposure (sterilization) phase, during which the autoclave’s control program closes the exhaust valve, causing the autoclave’s interior temperature and pressure to in…

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What temperature(s) can an autoclave reach?

Autoclaves are typically designed to reach temperatures between 250°F and 275°F (121°C and 135°C).

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How long does it take an autoclave to sterilize goods?

How long it takes to sterilize a load depends entirely on the content of the load, the set temperature of the autoclave, and the Sterility Assurance Level desired. Generally speaking, the higher the temperature, the faster a load will achieve sterility.

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Why is autoclaving items better for sterilization purposes than boiling them?

Steam is a very efficient medium for heat transference. As a result, you can achieve higher temperatures using steam than boiling water, which makes it a more effective method of killing bacteria and other microorganisms.

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10.21.24

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How to Start an Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) →

If you’re a physician who’s considering opening their own ambulatory surgery center (ASC), you’re in good company. MCG Health reports that, of the 5,800 ASCs on record in the U.S. in 2023, 95% were at least partially physician owned and 52% were solely physician owned. The incentives for physicians are clear: ASCs offer greater autonomy […]

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The Different Types of Autoclaves [& How to Choose the Right One] →

Steam sterilizers — also known as autoclaves — are an essential piece of equipment in any laboratory, research, or healthcare setting, ensuring sterility for important equipment and instruments. Autoclaves are available in a wide array of designs, each tailored for specific applications, ranging from small-scale laboratory sterilization to large-volume industrial processes. Choosing the right autoclave […]

9.30.24

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Horizontal vs. Vertical Autoclaves: 6 Key Differences and Benefits →

If you’re looking for a new autoclave for your facility, chances are you’ve considered several options during your search for the right one. When it comes to the question of whether a vertical or horizontal autoclave is the right fit for your lab or medical facility, understanding their key differences is crucial. To help you […]
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