Having the right podiatry autoclave to suit your requirements and expectations is essential to ensuring high levels of safety and efficiency.
Take a look at our range of infection control products, including a large selection of Autoclaves, as well as Water Distillers and Washers, Ultrasonic Cleaners, and Accessories.
We sell a variety of autoclaves from different manufacturers, including Enigma Autoclaves, Prestige Autoclaves and Eschmann Little Sister Autoclaves.
Here are some important factors to consider when choosing your autoclave.
Class
It is important to choose the right autoclave to suit your requirements and is one that is suitable for the loads you want to process. Remember that Type N autoclaves are only suitable for unwrapped solid instruments, while Type B are suitable for all load types.
Chamber size
You should choose an autoclave that has the appropriate chamber size for your needs, the bigger the chamber capacity, the larger the loads you can process. If you have wrapped instruments or heavy loads, you may want to choose a larger autoclave chamber. Also remember that smaller chamber sizes may have a faster overall cycle chambers, which could be more appropriate than a larger chamber for your requirements.
Cycle time
Ensure the autoclave has the appropriate cycle time and choice of cycles to meet your sterilisation requirements. A faster cycle gives a faster turnaround of sterilisation. A non vacuum cycle Type N will usually be faster than a Type B. Don’t sacrifice sterilisation for speed, as a vacuum cycle is essential if you are processing hollow, wrapper or pouched instruments.
Case size
Consider where you intend to keep your autoclave, so that you choose the right case size to fit your available space. If you have restricted space, see if the autoclave you have chosen has a smaller case to fit confined spaces. If the available is space is extremely limited, it is recommended that you buy a more suitable, smaller autoclave, which is specially designed for smaller instruments.
Heater design
Choosing the correct heater will design will help you to save money. An autoclave that heats the water outside the chamber will ensure the load is completely dry and minimises the amount of treated water lost between cycles.
Single use water
For superior performance, you may want to choose an autoclave that uses fresh water for each cycle, which ensures there are no contaminates from previous cycles being used in the sterilising process.
Aesthetic design
By choosing a modern autoclave, it will complement a modern practice and present a good image to patients. It can also reassure patients that they are in a modern, well-equipped and safe environment. An autoclave should look good, be easily maintained and easy to operate.
Printer facility
If you choose an autoclave with a printing facility, it will allow you to make permanent recordings easy, although they are more costly than those without. If you do not choose one with a printer facility, whether through choice or cost, make sure you can fit one at a later date without incurring any expensive fitting costs.
Datalogging facility
For increased efficiency, datalogging facilities can be connected to the autoclave and record every cycle onto an electronic memory card. These cycle details can then be easily downloaded to a computer to be viewed and archived. This means there is no need for paper storage and consumables.
