Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some commonly asked questions when one is trying to either learn more about autoclaves or which particular autoclave to buy.

1. What is the right temperature to run a sterilizer?

There are many different types of autoclaves that serve many different purposes. There is no real right answer to this question but you can find the answer listed in the autoclave you are interested in by considering these important factors:

1. Are the instruments bagged or not.
2. What are the specifications of the product you are sterilizing.
3. How long will the cycle be?( Below is a chart to help you determine this):
   

   Autoclave Temperature and Time Pressure Chart
   STERILIZER	TEMPERATURE	PRESSURE	TIME
   Steam autoclave unwrapped items	121 C (250 F) 132 C (270 F)	15psi 30psi	15min 3min
   lightly wrapped items	132 C (270 F)	30psi	8min
   heavily wrapped items	132 C (270 F)	30psi	10min
   Dry heat wrapped unwrapped items	170 C (340 F) 160 C (340 F) 150 C (300 F) 140 C (285 F) 121 C (250 F)		60 min 120min 150min 180min 12hrs
   Dry heat (rapid flow) unwrapped items	190 C (375 F)		6min
   Dry heat (rapid flow) packaged items	190 C (375 F)		12min
   Chemical vapor	132 C (270 F)	20-40 psi	20min
   Ethylene oxide	Ambient		8-10 hours

2. How often should I test my sterilizer?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) vol. 42/No. RR-9 calls for once a week. Proper functioning of sterilization cycles should be verified by the periodic use (at least weekly) of biological indicators, for example Spore Tests.

Heat sensitive chemical indicators (e.g. those that change color after exposure to heat) alone do not ensure adequacy of a sterilization cycle but may be used on the outside of each pack to identify packs that have been processed through the heating cycle. Again, use Spore Tests for best results and accuracy.

3. How do I clean the sterilizer? And how often should I do it?

I’ll answer the first last question first. The sterilization cycle really depends on how often you clean the items. For example, if you use the machine 6 times per day, you should clean the machine once per week.

4. How to Clean your machine…

Use a wet cloth to clean the surface of the chamber, door as well as the gasket.

Use a sterilizer cleaner such as Alfa Clean to run a cycle. That should do the trick.

5. Do I have to Bag my instruments?

It depends on when you want to use the instruments. If you are using them right after sterilization, then no, you do not need to bag them. However, if you plan to use them at a later date, bagging the instrument is a must to avoid continued contamination.

6. What Should the Buyer look for from a Supplier?

Typically, you need to ensure that the supplier has been in business for a while and plans to stay in business. You want to avoid the fly by night companies that won’t be there when you need them. Make sure they have the following:

• Website
• 1-800# - phone tracking
• Easy to search
• Left side – navigation bar, live support, Google checkout, Visa, MC, checks online, cash, wire money
• Fast delivery
• 1-800#
• Search engine
• Sterilizers by type, manufacturer

7. How do I prevent and Respond to an Accident?

1.) In addition to gloves and glasses, temperature protecting aprons should be worn when handling hot vessels. Plan the work so that handling of hot liquids is minimized.

2.) Autoclave use should be carefully planned to allow cooling of materials requiring sterilization before they are removed from the autoclave. If the volume of material to be autoclaved makes this difficult, it may be necessary to acquire another or a larger autoclave.

3.) Response to contamination is to disrobe quickly. The faster the technician or anyone using this equipment should consider this when operating these machines.

4.) Emergency numbers should be posted along with information identifying the location of the lab. Many people forget about location when posting numbers but in a state of emergency, it’s best when someone has something to read off of.

5.) Supervision of workers at satellite facilities is important. The worker was alone when the accident occurred, which is sometimes unavoidable. If you must work in a situation where you are alone, be sure that someone knows where you are and plan carefully how you will summon help. It is best to have someone check on you if you haven’t contacted them by a certain time.

8. What do I need to know before I order an Autoclave? Or, what questions will a supplier ask me when I order?

If you have read our website pages and our Free Report, you should have a fairly good idea of what you need to know and think about before you buy an autoclave. However, some additional questions you surely expect to be asked are:

1.) What is the physical space in feet you have for the sterilizer?

2.) What is the electrical voltage you have near the sterilizer?

3.) Do we need to remove the old sterilizer from its place?

4.) What floor will the sterilizer be needed to be installed on?

5.) Is there a loading dock at your facility?