Autoclaves are essential tools that are used to perform steam sterilisation. Steam sterilisation is recognised as one of the most effective forms of sterilisation. This is because it is capable of generating an environment that can kill the more stubborn microorganisms.
You can usually find autoclaves in various settings such as laboratories and even salons and tattoo parlors. It is then no wonder that you can also find autoclaves in hospitals.
If you are wondering if hospitals still use autoclaves for sterilisation, then please continue reading to learn more.
What Is An Autoclave?
First, let’s discuss what an autoclave is in the first place. An autoclave is a device that can generate high-pressure steam that is consistently applied over a period of time.
The autoclaving cycle takes place in three phases: the conditioning phase, the exposure phase, and the exhaust phase.
In the conditioning phase, all air is displaced in the chamber by a vacuum. Next, the exposure phase is when steam is introduced at a set pressure and temperature level. Lastly, the exhaust phase is when the steriliser drain is opened and the steam is released. Pressure and temperature are also lower.
In autoclaving, there are three important components to take note of: time, temperature, and pressure. All of these work together to produce a thoroughly sanitised object or instrument.
Through these three phases, the protective cell membranes situated around the microorganisms are denatured and destroyed. The autoclaving process is capable of killing the peskiest microorganisms - even those that are resistant to boiling!
The Importance Of Sterilisation In Hospitals
Hospitals make use of all sorts of instruments to perform numerous procedures. It is imperative that these instruments are thoroughly sanitised for a number of reasons.
The main importance and purpose of sterilisation in hospitals is to prevent the spread of infections. Unidentified substances on hospital instruments and surgical equipment can increase the risk of infection by exposing different parts of the body to dangerous bacteria.
The spread of disease is also prevented with thorough sterilisation. Various diseases such as AIDS, HIV, and hepatitis can use instruments as a medium of spreading. As such, sterilisation of these instruments is paramount to prevent this from occurring.
If hospital instruments are not sterilised properly, this can literally become a matter of life and death. Without proper sterilisation, deadly infections and diseases can easily spread and put patients at dire risk. Therefore, sterilisation - especially steam sterilisation - is a MUST for every hospital.
Autoclaves In Hospitals
Autoclaves are a critical and essential device in every hospital. On the industrial level, autoclaves are primarily used to sterilise disposable, infectious waste before it is either disposed of or recycled.
In the majority of hospitals, steam sterilisation serves as the standard for hospital equipment sterilisation and decontamination. There are various shapes, sizes, and types of autoclaves that can accommodate any level of hospital equipment sterilisation.
For example, pathogenic hospital waste such as rubber items, dressings, gowns, culture media, and more are usually processed by next-generation autoclaves. Next-generation autoclaves can perform sterilisation without temperatures and high pressures that are common in the clinical models.
Similarly, large-scale autoclaves found in hospitals can also help prevent hospital waste from contaminating water supplies, landfills, and other natural resources during disposal. Autoclaves are important not only for preventing infection and disease within the hospital but even for preventing infection and disease outside the hospital.
Larger hospitals will often make use of very large autoclave units, but they may also have more compact or smaller autoclaves that may be used to sterilise small instruments.
Summary
Hospitals still, in fact, use autoclaves for sterilisation. In fact, autoclaves and steam sterilisation are the standards for proper hospital equipment decontamination in many hospitals.
Sterilisation is very important in hospitals. This is because it can prevent the spread of infections and diseases that can severely endanger the lives of many patients. Sterilisation is quite literally a matter of life and death in hospitals.
As such, this is exactly why hospitals still have and use autoclaves. There are numerous types of autoclaves that are utilised by hospitals depending on what they need to sterilise and how big the hospital is. Nonetheless, you will always find an autoclave in a hospital.
MES Medical Equipment Services has been Australia’s leading provider of autoclaves and other medical equipment and equipment services since 1952.
We were originally established to provide electro-medical products to healthcare professionals across the country.
Our products range from sterilisation, dental systems, dental imaging, electrosurgical equipment, medical consumables, dental lasers, and equipment service maintenance.
We sell only top of the line equipment and machines produced by the leading manufacturers in the world. Our integrity and standards are your guarantees!
If you are searching for the best autoclave supplier in Australia, then look no further than Medical Equipment Services Australia.
For all your medical and dental supply requirements, please call us today on 1300 342 013 or contact us through our website.
