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Frequently Asked Questions

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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How does autoclaving kill bacteria?

Autoclaves use steam heat to raise temperatures to such a degree that proteins within the cell walls of a microbe break down and begin to coagulate, thereby killing the bacterium and achieving sterilization.

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How does an autoclave work?

Autoclaves use extreme heat in the form of pressurized steam in order to sterilize goods. Similar to a pressure cooker, an autoclave uses a locked door to create a sealed chamber. The air within that chamber is then replaced by steam, which is pressurized until the goods within the chamber have been sufficiently sterilized.

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Does CSS offer a warranty for laboratory autoclaves?

Yes. All of our laboratory autoclaves include a one (1) year warranty covering defective parts and labor, as well as a substantial warranty on the sterilizer chamber. We can also customize your warranty to meet your specific needs. For more information about our product warranty, please contact our service team.

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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.

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