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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is steam sterilization preferable to other forms of medical sterilization?

Autoclaving is faster, more effective and less expensive than other forms of medical sterilization, including ethylene oxide and hydrogen peroxide, making it the most common sterilization method in hospital and other medical facilities.

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What types of medical equipment can you sterilize using a Consolidated autoclave?

Our autoclaves are capable of sterilizing a wide variety of critical, semi-critical and noncritical items, including — but not limited to — surgical instruments, hypodermic needles, implanted devices, endoscopes, stethoscopes and medical waste.

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What type of environment are Consolidated sterilizers designed for?

Our medical autoclaves are suitable for any healthcare environment, including — but not limited to — medical teaching labs, diagnostic labs, ambulatory surgical centers, medical clinics, birth centers, blood banks, doctors’ offices, radiology centers, urgent care facilities and medical research facilities.

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What type of autoclave is best for glassware loads?

Both gravity and vacuum autoclaves are sufficient for sterilizing glassware. For basic glassware sterilization, a gravity autoclave is often adequate. However, if your lab frequently processes large, nested, or wrapped glassware loads, a vacuum autoclave provides more thorough sterilization and faster drying times.

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Can all types of glassware be sterilized in an autoclave?

No. Only durable glass types, such as borosilicate, should be autoclaved. Non-borosilicate glasses (e.g. soda lime or flint glass) may crack or shatter under the intense atmospheric conditions created in the chamber during sterilization cycles.

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How should glassware be loaded into an autoclave?

Always place glassware on racks or trays with enough space between each piece to allow for even steam penetration. Whenever possible, load glassware into an autoclave in a way that ensures natural drainage of water away from the load to aid drying. Additionally, keeping glassware away from the chamber walls helps prevent breakage caused by […]

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How do autoclaves sterilize glassware?

Autoclaves rely on steam, pressure, temperature and time to sterilize glassware — similar to how a pressure cooker works. During sterilization cycles, the air within an autoclave’s chamber is replaced by heated steam, which is pressurized until the load is sufficiently sterilized.

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How frequently should glassware be autoclaved?

While specific frequency requirements will depend on your lab’s processes and protocols, most laboratories sterilize their glassware after each use. This ensures that items are free from harmful agents before reuse, minimizing the risk of cross-contamination.

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What autoclaving cycle is best for glassware?

When autoclaving empty glassware, pre-vacuum cycles will save time. Simple gravity cycles are also commonly used and are a sufficient means of sterilizing glass items.

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What type of autoclave do I need to sterilize surgical equipment?

The materials you intend to sterilize will dictate what type of autoclave you need. For example, complex loads such as wrapped instruments, porous materials, and red bagged waste products will likely require a Class B sterilizer with vacuum functionality.

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CSS News & Events

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10.21.24

photo of a white surgery room with equipment

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 […]

10.15.24

image of worked pullin g items out of an autoclave

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

blue and black illustration abstract of sterilizer shapes

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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