Have you ever wondered how veterinary clinics keep their equipment sterilised? Sterilisation in veterinary clinics is often not really thought about; however, it is a very important practice especially in settings such as this.
One way that veterinary clinics keep their equipment sterilised is by making use of an autoclave. Autoclaves are specialised devices that are capable of sterilising even the most stubborn spores and microorganisms.
If you want to learn more about autoclaves and how they are used in veterinary clinics, then please keep on reading below.
What Is An Autoclave?
An autoclave is a medical device that is used to sterilise all sorts of equipment through the use of high temperatures and pressure. It is capable of producing saturated and pressurised steam by generating high temperatures of heat that can kill microorganisms such as spores and bacteria.
Autoclaves appear as a chamber-like structure. When you place instruments inside, it will displace all the air within the chamber. From here, high-pressure steam is generated at high temperatures, completely encasing the instrument in steam. This process is able to kill microbes and spores that can withstand temperatures from other sterilisation methods such as boiling.
To be more specific, pressurised steam can kill these microorganisms by disrupting the shape of their structural proteins and enzymes. This denatures and coagulates the microorganisms and renders them nonfunctional.
Autoclaves are used in various settings, such as in hospitals, laboratories, and even tattoo parlors and beauty salons. This is because they are recognised as one of the most effective tools for sterilisation.
Autoclaves In Veterinary Clinics
Steam sterilisation is the most common method of sterilisation in veterinary medicine. They are most often used to sterilise instruments and surgical tools such as gown packs, surgical scissors, neuter sets, and more.
Just as in the hospital, veterinary clinics take care of real lives--animal lives, that is. They, too, deal with surgical procedures and other sensitive activities. As such, hygiene and safety are of the utmost importance when it comes to treating every furry patient.
Objects such as needles and linens used in veterinary clinics are capable of carrying bloodborne pathogens. If these tools are used on another furry patient, this can cause some serious infections and illnesses. To avoid this, veterinary clinics not only sanitise all surfaces but their equipment as well so it can be reused.
By using an autoclave, the risk of diseases such as borreliosis and colibacillosis, which are common diseases particularly among dogs, can be prevented. Therefore, sterilisation is an imperative practice that every veterinary clinic must practice as it is quite literally a matter of life and death.
With this, sterilisation practices must be enforced most especially in between surgical procedures to prevent life-threatening infections for our fur babies.
In fact, there are also various rules and regulations that reinstate the required use of sterilised equipment for activities to be carried out on animals. These are a representative testament to the importance of sterilisation in veterinary settings.
Aside from preventing the spread of infection, sterilising equipment also allows veterinary clinics to save money and resources. This is because they won’t need to spend more money on one-time-use tools. Instead, they can sterilise reusable tools with specialised equipment such as the autoclave.
Nowadays, there are various autoclave models specifically made for veterinary clinics. This emboldens the importance of autoclaves, even in the veterinary industry.
Maintaining Equipment
Normally, instruments can be worn out by harsh chemicals, organic fluids, solvents, and cleaners from traditional sterilisation methods. However, sterilising equipment with an autoclave helps prevent this risk from happening.
Traditional sterilisation methods like chemical sterilisation can degrade tools and instruments, which will create more harm than good in the future. Luckily, autoclaves can prevent this risk, and allow veterinary clinics to comfortably sterilise their equipment without wearing it out.
Summary
The importance of autoclaves has been proven in various industries to help protect lives. More than being able to save money and resources, it is an effective device that can prevent the transmission of life-threatening infections and diseases.
Veterinary clinics are no exception to this. With autoclaves, veterinary clinics can sterilise their equipment without worrying about degrading the quality of the equipment or infecting other pet patients. After all, sterilisation is a gold standard for hygiene and safety, especially for all our animal friends.
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.
