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Laurence Bohan
Content Writer
Laurence Bohan
Content Writer

Laurence is a copywriter and trained journalist. His passion is creating insightful and educational content for dental professionals of every level. Outside of work, he enjoys watching sport, quizzing and spending time with his family.

Whether fitting out a new practice, replacing a broken-down machine or simply upgrading, deciding on the best autoclave to buy should not be a rushed decision. As an expensive piece of equipment that plays a pivotal role in infection control, your autoclave should tick as many boxes as possible. Our Ultimate Guide to Autoclaves will arm you with everything you need to make an informed purchase.

How do autoclaves work?

Autoclaves use steam to create a high-pressure environment at a temperature too high for microbial survival. This eliminates pathogens that may be resistant to soaps and detergents. The steam created in the autoclave allows for thorough sterilisation within dental instruments and tiny holes and crevices that could be missed during cleaning with detergent.

  1. The first stage of the autoclave sterilisation process is sometimes referred to as the “purge” phase. This is when steam created from heating water displaces the air within the autoclave chamber. Both temperature and pressure then begin to increase.
  2. The second stage is the sterilisation phase. During this phase, the exhaust remains closed causing the temperature and pressure to rapidly rise to the desired levels required to destroy bacteria, spores and other pathogens.
  3. The third phase is the exhaust phase. This is when pressure is released from the chamber, but temperatures remain high.
  4. The fourth and final stage is the cooling down phase. Once temperatures are low enough, the load can be removed from the chamber ready to be reused.

Autoclave Testing

The effectiveness of sterilisation of any one cycle can be checked with the use of indicators or tape placed within the load. Colour changing sterilisation tape can be used in autoclaves to indicate necessary temperatures have been achieved and sterilisation has taken place.

Class B autoclaves require a steam penetration test once a day using either a Helix test device or Bowie and Dick.

The Helix test is aimed more at testing the effectiveness of air removal and steam penetration of hollow instruments and the Bowie Dick pack test is aimed more for testing the effectiveness of steam penetration on large porous loads. A printable data logger automatically records and prints out this test. It provides written confirmation of sterilisation times, temperature, and whether the autoclave passed the test successfully.

Autoclave Validation

Sterilisation process validation is a procedure for obtaining, recording and interpreting the results required to establish that the process yields reliable, repeatable load sterilisation complying with predetermined specifications for sterility. Under healthcare standards and guidelines such as BS-ENISO:13060:2014, BS-ENISO:15883:1 and HTM 01-05, revalidation should be completed annually or in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.



What To Consider When Purchasing An Autoclave




1. Capacity


Autoclave capacity, or chamber size, indicates how many instruments or pieces of equipment can be placed inside the chamber at any one time. B class autoclave capacity ranges between 8-22 litre. The larger the capacity the more expensive the autoclave and greater the energy consumption. The autoclave capacity required will depend on the requirements of an individual practice.


Some practices choose to use two smaller capacity autoclaves for faster cycle times and to allow two cycles to be carried out at once. Having two autoclaves is also practical should one break down.


2. Versatility


Not all B class autoclaves can deliver sterilisation cycles at the same speed. Some autoclaves offer shorter cycle time than others, but this generally will come at a greater initial cost. Some autoclaves offer gentle cycles ideal for sterilising sensitive items and porous loads.


It is important to ensure the autoclave has the appropriate choice of cycles to meet your sterilising requirements.
4. Traceability



One of the more recent advances in autoclave technology is the introduction of built-in USB functionality to record sterilisation cycles. Most B class and S class autoclaves now have label printers that can be connected to the steriliser for printing barcodes. This is designed for legal protection and as a way of improving your practice’s overall traceability system.


5. Repair, servicing and maintenance



The components and technology in autoclaves do fail from time to time, so it is beneficial to purchase from manufacturers who have a technical servicing department based in your country.


BA for example has a team of factory trained field-based engineers supporting dental autoclave repairs across the UK. To ensure the autoclave is working to maximum efficiency and reduce your chances of needing a repair, autoclave cleaners can be purchased for fast, effective and easy use.
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