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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.

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.

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.

What is a laboratory autoclave?

A laboratory autoclave — also known as a steam sterilizer — is a sophisticated piece of equipment designed to use steam heat to kill any microbial life that may be present on a contaminated load. Autoclaves are considered essential equipment in almost any laboratory setting because they prevent the spread of foreign and sometimes harmful […]

What materials can I sterilize using a laboratory autoclave?

Depending on the particular unit, laboratory autoclaves can sterilize a wide variety of goods, including (but not limited to) both solid and liquid media, metal instruments, glass containers, animal cage bedding, biohazardous materials, soil samples and red bag waste.

What is the difference between a Class B and a Class N autoclave?

The primary difference between Class B and Class N autoclaves is how they remove air from the chamber prior to sterilization. Class B autoclaves utilize a vacuum pump to completely remove air from the chamber, which enables steam to better penetrate the load. Class N autoclaves use steam from a boiler or generator to create […]

Does CSS offer laboratory autoclaves with different chamber volumes?

Yes. We offer a wide selection of autoclave models with chamber volumes ranging from 3.9 cu. ft. (109 L) to 36 cu. ft. (1,019 L). You can view all of our laboratory autoclaves and corresponding chamber dimension and volume information in our laboratory and research autoclave brochure.

What types of materials can I sterilize using a Consolidated autoclave?

Our autoclaves can sterilize anything in an academic setting that requires sterilization, including LB broth, red-bag waste, pipette tips, glassware, agar, media-warming and more.

Does CSS offer eco-friendly options?

Yes. Here at CSS, we’re dedicated to helping our clients protect the environment (while lowering their operating costs) by reducing their water and energy consumption. To that end, our EcoJacket and WaterEco® water-saving systems come standard with all of our laboratory autoclaves, and we offer a range of additional sustainability features. You can learn more […]

What safety features do Consolidated’s academic autoclaves include?

All of our sterilizers include standard safety alarms. Process alarms and errors are documented and communicated both audibly and visually.

5.12.23

4 Ways Technology Improves Patient Care in Hospitals & ASCs →

When you think about patient care, what comes to mind? Perhaps it’s a team of doctors coming up with a course of treatment or a clinician providing emotional support for patients. While treatment plans and a warm bedside manner are both important, patient care encompasses much more. Today, technology plays an important part in providing […]

5.4.23

Alternatives-to-Ethylene-Oxide

Medical Device Sterilization: 4 Alternatives to Ethylene Oxide →

With thanks to Emily Lorcheim of ClorDiSys Solutions for her contributions. Ethylene Oxide (EtO) is the man-made chemical that’s responsible for sterilizing roughly half of the medical equipment used in the U.S. today. The popularity of EtO as a sterilizing agent stems from its versatility — it’s compatible with a wide range of materials, highly […]

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close up shot of gloved surgeon hands using tools

Autoclaves for Orthopedic Surgery: Best Practices to Follow →

In order to ensure patient safety and achieve successful surgical outcomes, orthopedic surgery centers (OSCs) need to sterilize all equipment — including implants — before use. As demand for total joint surgeries and outpatient procedures increases, so, too, does the total volume of implants, instruments, and other equipment that requires processing. Steam sterilization is one […]