steam quality

How to Validate an Autoclave: Steam Quality Testing

Written by: Scott Mechler

The quality of the steam feeding an autoclave is an important factor in steam sterilization. Like time, temperature, and pressure, steam is a critical variable in the success and repeatability of the sterilization process. As such, steam quality should be part of the validation of any steam sterilizer. In previous articles other phases of validation […]

Choose a Steam Source for Your Autoclave

How to Choose a Steam Source for Your Autoclave

Written by: Scott Mechler

Autoclaves, by nature, require steam to operate. However, there are several possible autoclave steam generator sources to choose from when it comes to laboratory sterilizers; everything ranging from building steam (also known as house steam) to steam from an on-board electric steam generator. The following guide explores some of the most common steam sources for […]

Collection of commercial kitchen appliances including ovens, fryers, and cooking equipment.

Consolidated Sterilizer Systems partners with TetraScience to enable Internet-of-Things in labs

Written by: Jason Thompson

April 4, 2016, Boston, MA – Consolidated Sterilizer Systems, a pioneer in the area of steam sterilization, announced today that it has selected TetraScience, an Internet-of-Things company (IoT), to enable cloud-based technology in the laboratory. Through this partnership, Consolidated will leverage TetraScience’s software and hardware expertise to develop cloud-enabled autoclaves. This collaboration marks one of […]

three-red-bags-of-waste-from-a-laboratory

The Real Deal on How to Handle Red Bag Waste in Your Laboratory

Written by: Arthur Trapotsis

Red bag waste is a necessary evil in today’s bio-medical field. Every day, hospitals and universities alike confront the continual burden of how to handle, sterilize and properly dispose of this bio-hazardous waste — especially within a laboratory setting. However, despite this widespread challenge, there remains no universal guideline on how laboratories should properly handle […]

performance qualification

How to Validate an Autoclave: Performance Qualification (PQ)

Written by: Amit Gupta

An autoclave undergoes qualification testing in order to validate and verify that it’s performing consistently and properly. In previous posts, we outlined the first two qualification tests known as Installation Qualification (IQ) and Operation Qualification (OQ). In this post we will review Performance Qualification (PQ) as a final critical step in validating your autoclave. What […]

Prion Sterilization Common Challenges

Prion Sterilization: Common Challenges

Written by: Arthur Trapotsis

Transmission of prion diseases through medical equipment remains an ever-present possibility in many laboratories and medical facilities around the world. As such, prion sterilization should not be taken lightly. Facilities that lack prion sterilization equipment and protocols for exposed or contaminated medical instruments not only put lab personnel at risk, but also endanger any future […]

Made in America

70 Years of American Made Autoclaves

Written by: Arthur Trapotsis

Seventy years ago William A. Barnstead acquired Consolidated Machine Corporation with a focus on producing rolling door autoclaves and water stills for the U.S. Department of Defense. Barnstead, an entrepreneur and rugged individualist, worked diligently to create for his company a strong and lasting reputation as an innovator in the sterilizer and water still industry. […]

image-showing-two-lock-boxes-each-of-a-different-type-of-metal

Autoclave Chamber Material: Stainless Steel vs Nickel-Clad

Written by: Amit Gupta

Current, state-of-the-art laboratory autoclave chambers are manufactured using stainless steel. In the past, autoclave manufacturers constructed sterilizers using nickel-clad, a highly corrosion-resistant material. The industry has shifted due to the rising cost of “cladding” over the last 10-15 years, heading in the direction of primarily 316L stainless steel. Why should you care? Because while stainless […]

operational qualification

How To Validate an Autoclave: Operational Qualification (OQ)

Written by: Amit Gupta

Every laboratory strives for consistency and repeatability in its sterilization processes. But this doesn’t come easily. In order to ensure your autoclave operates efficiently it’s critical that you validate the sterilization process and verify that the equipment is working safely and properly. This is known as Operational Qualification (OQ), and it’s one of the most […]