Steam autoclave sterilization demystified: what is it used for in hospitals? Healthcare's ultimate weapon against infections

30-05-2023

Among the techniques used in healthcare settings, steam autoclave sterilization stands out as a powerful and widely utilized method in hospitals and other facilities. In Celitron’s next article, we delve into the world of autoclave sterilization, demystify its purpose in hospitals, and explore how healthcare's ultimate weapon is used for preventing the spread of infections.


What is sterilization in healthcare?

Sterilization plays a pivotal role in healthcare by acting as a critical line of defense against infections. Healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, clinics, and laboratories, rely on effective sterilization practices to prevent the transmission of pathogens and maintain a safe environment for patients and staff.

In the realm of healthcare, maintaining a sterile and infection-free environment is of paramount importance. Without proper sterilization, medical procedures and interventions would carry a heightened risk of infections, jeopardizing patient outcomes and overall healthcare quality.


What is sterilization in hospitals?

Hospitals and healthcare facilities employ a range of sterilization techniques to combat the spread of infections.

Sterilization in hospitals refers to the comprehensive process of eliminating or destroying all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, and spores, from surfaces, equipment, and instruments. The primary objective of sterilization is to create a germ-free environment, reducing the chances of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and safeguarding the well-being of patients, healthcare workers, and visitors.

One of the most effective and popular sterilization techniques in hospitals is steam autoclave sterilization.


What is steam autoclave sterilization? The basics

Before we explore the applications of these on-site machines, you should understand what steam autoclave sterilization is.

Autoclave sterilization is a process that employs high-pressure steam to eliminate microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, from medical equipment, surgical instruments, and laboratory materials. By subjecting these items to intense steam under pressure and heat (ranging between 121 and 134 degrees Celsius),autoclave sterilization ensures their safe and effective use, minimizing the risk of infections. This means even heat-resistant bacteria cannot survive this process.


What is autoclave sterilization used for?

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s move on to healthcare applications: what is autoclave sterilization used for?

This sterilization method finds application in a diverse range of scenarios. Here are some of the key uses of autoclave sterilization in hospitals and healthcare facilities:


1. Sterilization of surgical instruments

Autoclave sterilization ensures that surgical instruments, including scalpels, forceps, and scissors, are completely free from microorganisms before each use. This critical step minimizes the risk of surgical site infections and supports optimal surgical outcomes. No surgical tool can be (re)used for the treatment of patients unless it is 100% sterile!


2. Sterilization of medical equipment

Medical equipment, such as endoscopes, catheters, and respirators, undergoes rigorous autoclave sterilization to eliminate any potential pathogens. This process guarantees the safety and reliability of the equipment when used in patient care.


3. Sterilization of laboratory materials

Laboratories rely on autoclave sterilization to decontaminate glassware, Petri dishes, and other materials used for conducting experiments and cultivating cultures. This ensures accurate and reliable results while preventing cross-contamination between different samples and experiments, especially in facilities that require biosafety of a certain level.


4. Sterilization of linens and fabrics

Autoclave sterilization plays a crucial role in maintaining cleanliness in healthcare facilities by sterilizing linens, such as bed sheets, towels, and surgical gowns. This process eliminates any potential pathogens and ensures that patients and healthcare workers are not exposed to harmful microorganisms. This also reduces the amount of waste generated.


5. Sterilization of implants and medical devices

Implants, prosthetics, and other medical devices that come into contact with the human body must undergo autoclave sterilization to eliminate the risk of infections. This step is vital to ensure the safety and success of procedures such as joint replacements and dental implants.


6. Sterilization of medical waste

Autoclave sterilization is employed to treat and sterilize infectious waste generated in healthcare settings. By subjecting the waste to high-pressure steam, pathogens are destroyed, reducing the risk of contamination and preventing the spread of infections.


IMPORTANT: It should be noted that the applications of autoclave sterilization in hospitals not only depend on the size but on the type of steam sterilizer used. For most healthcare facilities, it is highly recommended to use more advanced “vacuum” or “class B” autoclaves. Their higher speed allows medical staff to work more efficiently, and their higher versatility allows for the sterilization of more types of loads.
For example, less advanced gravity autoclaves are a good choice if you only need to treat flat medical instruments, but that is rarely the case in large hospitals that rely on a variety of equipment and generate a large amount of medical waste each day.


Steam autoclave sterilization solutions from Celitron - Why are they worth it?

Celitron’s steam autoclave sterilization solutions offer several advantages that contribute to their widespread use in healthcare settings. Our units are already present in more than 80 countries all over the world.

Here are some of the key features we offer to hospitals and other facilities:


1. Reliable sterilization from high-grade vacuum autoclaves

Regardless of the size of the model you choose, all of our autoclave sterilization solutions fall under the class B category. They can suck all the air out of their chamber with the use of a powerful vacuum, removing one of the greatest obstacles to effective sterilization. This results in much more consistent and thorough results compared to gravity autoclaves.


2. Fast sterilization cycles

One complete sterilization cycle can be completed in as fast as 20 minutes with our steam autoclaves, depending on the size of the load inside.


3. Sustainable and cost-effective operation

Autoclave sterilization using steam is environmentally friendly compared to other sterilization methods that involve harsh chemicals. Steam is a natural and non-toxic agent that leaves no residues, making it safe for both patients and the environment.

While autoclave sterilization requires an initial investment in the equipment, it proves to be cost-effective in the long run. The reusability of sterilized items eliminates the need for frequent purchases, reducing expenses in the healthcare facility. Not to mention Celitron’s models also come equipped with advanced water and energy-saving systems.


4. Custom autoclave sterilization solutions for facilities of all sizes


For more information on our models, you can always check out their technical specifications on Celitron’s website.

You can also CONTACT US to receive a free quote!

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