Understanding Steam Autoclave Ownership Costs: Acquisition Cost vs. Operating Cost Written by: Scott Mechler Whether you’re purchasing a small laboratory autoclave or one for your ambulatory surgery center, a steam autoclave is a significant investment. Beyond budgeting for upfront purchasing costs, it’s critical to understand the overall lifetime costs of owning a steam autoclave, as well. In order to make the best purchasing decision, you need to consider both the initial price tag (the acquisition cost) and the long-term maintenance costs (the operating cost). By combining these costs, you can get the full picture of what it costs to own an autoclave over its entire lifespan. When in the market for your next steam autoclave, it’s important to carefully consider all associated costs — let’s break them down. Read more → Tweet Like Share
Steam Sterilization Cycles, Part 1: Gravity vs. Vacuum Written by: Arthur Trapotsis Steam sterilization relies on three parameters to eliminate microbes and organisms: time, temperature, and pressure. These parameters can be manipulated into different cycles to meet the sterilization requirements of various types of loads, including red bags, media, glassware, cages, animal bedding, and pipette tips. Although it’s possible to sterilize the vast majority of common laboratory loads using one of three basic cycles — gravity, vacuum (or prevac), and liquid — you’ll want to ensure that your sterilizer offers the appropriate cycles for all of your load requirements. In this article, we’ll explore the first two basic steam sterilization cycles — gravity and vacuum — including how they work and when to use them. Then, in future articles, we’ll discuss additional cycle types, such as liquid cycles, air-overpressure cycles, and a myriad of other, more advanced cycles for specialized applications. Read more → Tweet Like Share
Is Your Laboratory on the Path to LEED Certification? Learn How Your Steam Sterilizers Can Make a Difference. Written by: Scott Mechler Laboratories are notorious for energy consumption. As a rule of thumb, a lab consumes roughly 5-10 times more energy per square foot than an average office building. That’s why it’s vital for a laboratory to implement eco friendly equipment, such as water savings systems for steam sterilizers. Read more → Tweet Like Share
How an Eco-Friendly Lab Sterilizer Can Save Your Facility Over $100,000 Written by: Scott Mechler Whether you’re building a new laboratory or retrofitting an existing space—it’s time to start thinking ‘green.’ The world’s leading labs, universities, and research facilities are installing eco-friendly autoclaves equipped with water saving systems in an effort to lower their environmental impact and realize cost savings. Read more → Tweet Like Share
The Steam Autoclave Procurement Process in 6 Steps Written by: Jason Thompson When you’re in the market for a steam autoclave, it’s useful to know the steps involved in the acquisition process. From the initial sales call through final installation, this article will outline the process so your facility can plan accordingly. At Consolidated Sterilizer Systems (CSS), our ordering process is designed to efficiently and accurately provide you with the autoclave you need. Read more → Tweet Like Share
Is Your Amsco Autoclave Getting Old? 4 Benefits of a Control System Upgrade to Extend the Life of Your Older-Model Autoclave Written by: Mike Peters Autoclaves typically last more than 20 years, but as they age, so does the technology that supports them. As a result, labs with older model autoclaves/sterilizers—such as Amsco® autoclaves—predictably operate at less than full capacity due to compromised performance. Read more → Tweet Like Share
New Autoclave Rep Company Joins The CSS Team Written by: Arthur Trapotsis Consolidated Sterilizer Systems is proud to announce a new partnership with Colcom, Inc. as our authorized local representative for the Southern New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware areas. Colcom was founded in 1970 as a manufacturer’s rep group selling autoclaves and various other lab equipment. Over time, Colcom has expanded its product offerings to include a full-range of healthcare and laboratory equipment. Now in their 44th year, Colcom represents 16 manufacturers. President Bridget Collins attributes their success to creating long-standing customer relationships, “it’s really about trust, good faith, and good service,” she stated. Read more → Tweet Like Share
High-Tech Autoclave Install in Germfree Mobile Laboratory Written by: Arthur Trapotsis Consolidated Sterilizer Systems is excited to announce a sophisticated new installation: Our PT-SSR-2A BSL-3 Series Steam Sterilizer is now in a Germfree Modular Laboratory. About Germfree: Germfree is a company that develops completely integrated, high-containment laboratory solutions in shipping containers, truck beds, and modular buildings. These mobile labs are transported across the globe in shipping […] Tweet Like Share
4 Reasons Why Where Your Autoclave Is Manufactured Matters Written by: Jason Thompson From your car to the food you eat, it’s important to know where things come from. The same goes for autoclaves—you should be aware of where they are manufactured and how this can impact the overall value. In the U.S. market today, there are both foreign and domestic autoclave manufacturers. Autoclaves engineered and manufactured in the United States provide more returns for labs or facilities located in the U.S. than their foreign counterparts. There are 4 essential considerations for evaluating an autoclave manufacturer: Read more → Tweet Like Share
No Space for a Large Bulk Autoclave? 4 Reasons to Consider the MiniBulk™ Written by: Amit Gupta There are many different types of autoclaves available on the market – from simple economy sterilizers, to advanced BSL-3 biocontainment models, to large laboratory autoclaves. Despite the variety, a perfect fit may not be easy to come by. Laboratories must find a balance between valuable floor space they are willing to commit for a unit […] Tweet Like Share
12.10.25 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 […]
11.6.25 AAMI ST108 & Critical Water for Autoclaves: What ASCs Need to Know → 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 […]
10.20.25 What Is an Autoclave Machine Really Used for? [Applications, Costs & More] → 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 […]
