AAMI ST108 Compliance

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 […]

Critical Water for Autoclaves

AAMI ST108 & Critical Water for Autoclaves: What ASCs Need to Know

Written by: Ivan Arkhipov

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 […]

woman with long dark hair wearing a white lab coat and blue rubber gloves removes trays from an autoclave

What Is an Autoclave Machine Really Used for? [Applications, Costs & More]

Written by: Arthur Trapotsis

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 […]

photo of a white surgery room with equipment

How to Start an Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC)

Written by: Arthur Trapotsis

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 […]

image of worked pullin g items out of an autoclave

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

Written by: Arthur Trapotsis

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. Autoclaves are categorized by […]

blue and black illustration abstract of sterilizer shapes

Horizontal vs. Vertical Autoclaves: 6 Key Differences and Benefits

Written by: Arthur Trapotsis

The choice between a horizontal and a vertical autoclave comes down to four factors: What goods you need to sterilize The size of your typical load How much space your facility has How often you’re loading the unit Horizontal autoclaves are front-loading, higher-capacity units well-suited to bulk loads and complex or irregularly shaped items. Vertical […]

Autoclave Pricing & Industry Averages

Autoclave Pricing & Industry Averages

Written by: Arthur Trapotsis

Whether you’re replacing outdated or broken units in your sterilizer lineup, expanding your  sterile processing department (SPD), or opening up a brand new healthcare facility, there’s a lot to consider when selecting the right autoclaves for the job. While specs like chamber capacity, overall size, and performance are all important, price is more often than […]

Guide to Autoclave Temperature and Pressure

10-Step Guide to Autoclave Temperature and Pressure

Written by: Arthur Trapotsis

Autoclaves sterilize goods using four interdependent variables: temperature, pressure, steam, and time. Understanding how these variables work together — and how disruptions to any one of them can compromise a cycle — is essential to anyone responsible for running a sterilization program. This guide will show you how each element contributes to sterilization, the temperature […]

hands on a table covered in architect drawings, hand is holding a pencil

Lab Renovation Guide: From Budgeting to Execution

Written by: Arthur Trapotsis

Renovating a laboratory is no easy task. It’s a multi-phase process that requires extensive planning, strategic execution, and ongoing management. No matter the reason for your renovation, each of these phases should be approached with care to ensure that the changes you make to your lab meet both current and future needs. In this guide, […]

sterilizer-cleaning-surgical-instruments-in-the-backround.

Cleaning Surgical Instruments: What Healthcare Facilities Need to Know

Written by: Arthur Trapotsis

Ensuring the sterility of surgical instruments and other medical equipment is paramount to patient safety in hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs), and other healthcare facilities, preventing cross-contamination and reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infection (HAI). But patients aren’t the only ones who benefit. By maintaining a rigorous surgical equipment cleaning process, healthcare facilities can maintain […]