Steam autoclave sterilization time comparisons: How much faster can a quality autoclave be?

09-08-2023

In Celitron’s next article, we will compare steam autoclave sterilization times and explore how our quality autoclaves can significantly expedite this process and benefit your healthcare facility!

About the importance of short steam autoclave sterilization times

In the world of sterilization, time is of the essence. The rapid and efficient eradication of pathogens, spores, and contaminants from medical instruments and laboratory equipment is a crucial aspect of ensuring safety and preventing infections. Steam autoclaves have revolutionized this process, and the speed of sterilization can vary dramatically based on the quality of the autoclave and the temperature used.

The impact of autoclave temperature on sterilization Time

Autoclave temperature has a direct impact on sterilization time. As the temperature increases, the time required for sterilization decreases. This relationship is crucial for optimizing the sterilization process. A quality autoclave's ability to quickly reach and maintain the desired temperature with precise controls significantly reduces the overall cycle time, allowing for more efficient operations.

Still, temperature isn’t the only factor to take into account – let’s take a look at the two main types of steam autoclaves used in the healthcare industry!

Steam autoclave sterilization time comparison: Vacuum vs. gravity Displacement

1) What are gravity autoclaves? How does steam sterilization work in this case?

Gravity displacement autoclaves are conventional autoclaves that rely on gravity to displace air within the chamber before introducing steam.
While effective, this process can be time-consuming, especially when sterilizing larger loads or porous materials. The time required for air removal and steam penetration can contribute to longer sterilization cycles, and some models may not be able to treat more complex loads apart from flat medical tools.

2) What are vacuum autoclaves? How does steam sterilization work in this case?

Vacuum autoclaves, on the other hand, use a pre-vacuum phase to remove air from the chamber before steam is introduced.
This advanced technology accelerates air removal and ensures that steam reaches all areas of the load more rapidly. Consequently, vacuum autoclaves offer faster sterilization times compared to gravity displacement autoclaves, making them an ideal choice for busy healthcare facilities and laboratories. Speed isn’t their only advantage: their greater versatility also allows you to treat more types of materials, which is a great advantage in any medical facility, but even more so in large hospitals.

3) Steam autoclave sterilization time comparison

According to CDC guidelines about steam sterilization in healthcare facilities, there can be a huge difference between the performance of gravity and vacuum autoclaves.

Steam autoclave sterilization time in case of a gravity cycle: The minimal exposure time at 121 degrees Celsius is at least 30 minutes. This means the entire process can last about 60 or even 90 minutes depending on the size of the load and the model used, since this also includes the drying and cooling phase.
Steam autoclave sterilization time in case of a vacuum cycle: The minimal exposure time at 132 degrees Celsius is 4 minutes, which means the entire process (including the cooling and drying phase) can be reduced to approximately 20 minutes. Still, keep in mind that this is also dependent on temperature levels and load sizes.

Benefits of fast steam autoclave sterilization times

As technology continues to advance and demands grow, the significance of fast steam sterilization times will undoubtedly remain at the forefront of innovation and progress.

The advantages of swift sterilization times extend far beyond the realm of mere efficiency. In bustling healthcare environments, such as hospitals and clinics, the ability to rapidly sterilize medical instruments and equipment is a crucial factor in maintaining seamless operations.
Shorter sterilization cycles directly translate to quicker turnover of instruments, ensuring that medical procedures can be carried out promptly. This not only enhances patient care but also contributes to overall patient satisfaction.
Imagine a scenario where a critical procedure requires immediate instrumentation – vacuum autoclaves, with their remarkably fast sterilization times, become indispensable tools during emergencies.
Moreover, the benefits of rapid steam autoclave sterilization extend to medical staff as well. During peak hours or times of increased demand, medical professionals often find themselves pressed for time. Fast sterilization times alleviate their workload, enabling them to focus more on patient care and essential tasks.
This, in turn, minimizes stress and allows medical staff to deliver optimal care without being burdened by lengthy sterilization processes. As a result, vacuum autoclaves not only contribute to the operational efficiency of healthcare facilities but also prioritize the well-being of the dedicated medical teams.
Beyond healthcare, the advantages of rapid sterilization times permeate other sectors as well. Laboratories and research facilities can all benefit from the expedited turnaround provided by vacuum autoclaves.

Celitron’s steam autoclave sterilization times: the benefits of our quality autoclaves

Depending on the size of the load inside the chamber, Celitron's steam autoclaves can achieve sterilization times as fast as 20 minutes.
Our onsite sterilizer machines made from corrosion-resistant stainless steel are designed to provide unparalleled efficiency during the sterilization process. They achieve this by combining the power of vacuum technology with precise steam autoclave temperature control ranging between 121 and 134 degrees Celsius.
This level of speed and precision is also further supported by a great level of customization. Apart from our preset steam autoclave sterilization cycles, you may customize up to 20 different cycles to suit different load variations. This includes flash, unwrapped, wrapped, prion, and porous cycles. We also offer a wide range of accessories for further customization.
Extra safety features. The doors of our autoclaves lock automatically and cannot be opened until necessary sterilization times are completed.
Sustainable and cost-effective. Our steam autoclaves also come equipped with water and energy-saving systems – which simultaneously reduce your environmental footprint as well as your operational costs.
Fully automated operation. The whole process can be launched with the push of a button.
The right model for everyone. Regardless of size and chamber capacity, we offer consistent quality for large hospitals and small clinics alike. All of our models use vacuum cycles. Make sure to check out their specifics!

Should you have any further questions about steam autoclave sterilization times and temperature settings, do not hesitate to write to Celitron’s team experts, or CONTACT US for a free price quote!