Sterilising medical equipment is an important part of the healthcare process, but it's also a complicated one. There are so many different types and brands of autoclaves on the market, so how do you choose which one will work best for your facility? You don't want to waste money or time buying something that doesn't suit your needs.
Luckily, we've done the research so you don't have to! In this guide, we'll walk through everything you need to know about choosing an autoclave including tips on budgeting, what features matter most, and more.
1). Determine What You Need The Autoclave For
What do you need a steriliser for? Do you have dirty surgical instruments or personal hygiene items that require sanitisation before being used again? Then it's time to invest in an autoclave. Using steam, heat, and pressure, the autoclave will kill any bacteria on your equipment so they can be safely reused without risk of contamination.
If you’re wondering, then, what type of autoclave to get, one way to answer this is by asking yourself what type of items the machine will be used for. An industrial-grade unit can handle a wide range of materials such as metal, polymers and rubber whereas household models are more often designed for only specific types like dishware or clothing.
You can also consider how often and why you will be using the autoclave. If your needs are occasional, a home-use model may suffice. However, if frequent use or industrial settings are involved, such as hospitals or laboratories where sterilisation of critical instruments is necessary on an almost daily basis, then commercial models would best suit those requirements.
All of these factors help you determine what you need the autoclave for and whether it is a necessary addition to your setup.
2). Consider Cost And Warranty
Autoclaves are a powerful way to sterilise medical equipment and supplies. However, there can be a lot of variation in the cost, warranty length, and other features that may matter most for your needs.
When considering the purchase of a new autoclave, it is important to know what factors should be considered. The first and most obvious consideration would have to do with cost itself. You will need to make sure you find out how often an autoclave needs service or repair before buying an autoclave as this will affect future costs. Not only that, but some units come with a warranty which can offer further peace of mind when buying such an expensive piece of equipment for use on delicate medical instruments.
Therefore, when choosing the best autoclave, you want to make sure your purchase is both affordable and long-lasting enough that it will last for years on end without any breakdowns or hiccups.
3). Find Out If It's Easy To Use, Maintain, And Clean
A good place to start if you need a new sterilising device would be choosing one that works well with your lifestyle and routine. For example, does it come with a user manual? Is the design sleek? Does cleaning take up too much time out of my day?
You want an autoclave that is not only easy to use but also simple to clean and maintain. For example, if the device has a sealed door, then you'll be able to reduce your risk of getting potentially dangerous bacteria on your equipment by closing it during cleaning time.
As a helpful tip, check these three important requirements: easy-to-use design that provides a variety of options in use; lightweight construction with high-quality materials that are durable enough to withstand cleaning day after day; and the ability to maintain it easily by following manufacturer's guidelines. These features can help make your work easier while providing excellent results.
4). Consider What Type Of Material You'll Be Sterilising
You need to consider what type of material will be sterilised. This also plays an important role in the autoclave purchasing decision. For example, if you plan to sterilise cooking equipment and utensils for a restaurant or commercial kitchen environment, an inexpensive steam chamber may be more appropriate than investing in large-capacity autoclaves.
Not all items can be sterilised by an autoclave. If you plan to sterilise delicate items that need heating up without breaking, then consider an electric model for precision control of cycles and temperatures. If your needs include heavy-duty cleaning after surgery, try out some stainless steel models. Specific autoclave models work well with specific instruments, so it’s important to do your research beforehand!
5). Consider Mobility
Part of this tip is thinking about the space in which you will be using your autoclave can make all the difference. If a large, stationary machine is not an option for where you will be using the autoclave, consider a more mobile unit made with rugged materials and designed to withstand harsh environments such as hospital operating rooms. An upright model might do better in a daycare centre than one mounted high up against the wall. The bottom line is you want something that's easy enough to transport or move if necessary.
6). Determine How Many Cycles Per Day You'll Need To Complete
In order to choose the best autoclave, you need to determine how many cycles per day will be required according to your needs. For instance, if a clinic operates seven days of the week and processes twenty-five surgeries each day then they would require an autoclave with at least 150 cycle count capacity so as not to interrupt workflow for patients who are waiting in line for their procedures. Considering your required daily cycle count is important because some machines out there can't complete as much work in a single cycle as others, and are usually more expensive for that reason.
Summary
Choosing the best autoclave for your facility can be a daunting task. It’s important to understand how an autoclave works and what features you need from it in order to make sure you buy the right one for your needs. We hope this blog post has been helpful.
If you are looking to purchase an autoclave, 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.
