Purchasing an Autoclave

When you are looking for an autoclave, the purchasing process can be overwhelming as they seem so complex which can result in  a very expensive mistake if you purchase the wrong unit. There are so many makes and models to choose from and so many options. Here are some helpful hints.

The autoclave itself

1. The size of the autoclave
2. Load size

What is your load size, how many cycles per day/ week?  Remember  with circular chambers you cannot fit as much in as square chambers. Are you autoclaving animal cages – you will fit more cages in a square chamber. How many media bottles can you fit in one load?

1. The available space in your lab.

In other words, throughput capacity dictates the size autoclave you need, while floor space  determines what you can actually accommodate. Common sizes range from tabletop autoclaves to small, medium, large (bulk) and pass through autoclaves.  Remember to factor in the size of the autoclave when the door is open, enough room for airflow and  enough access for the service technician.

2. What types of loads will you be running in your autoclave?

The autoclave you purchase should possess the cycles capable of sterilizing your specific loads     media, glassware, biohazard bags, tips, porous loads, animal cages  or waste?  Be sure to enquire about which cycles your autoclave is capable of running and ensure your desired materials can be properly sterilized.   Depending on what your autoclaving you may require  options like vacuum. Air-ballast and load sensing probe.

3. Cycle data

4. Automatic drain and fill?

For the smaller autoclaves you can have automatic drain and fill

5. What is my steam source for the autoclave?

There are three types of steam generation in autoclaves;

a) Heaters in chamber- the heating elements are situated in the chamber rather like the elements in your electric kettle

b) Integral steam generator- a steam generator built in as part of the autoclave

c) Inhouse steam- is your water supply sufficient and of good enough quality to supply the autoclave?

 6. Loading Cart

Do you want a loading cart?  They are good to have for H & S reasons especially if autoclaving large volumes of media 

Utilites

Do you have the correct utilities  available for the autoclave?

a) Water- depending on your water quality you may need a water softener

b) Compressed air

c) Drain

d) Power- do you have 3 phase power available

Installation

a) How will I get the autoclave from the loading dock to its final resting place?

b) Will it fit into the lift if its going to be installed on a higher floor?

c) Do we need to make adjustments to any walls, doors or floors to install the autoclave?

d) Cost of decommissioning the existing autoclave?

e) Does the cost of the autoclave include all of the above?

Service, Preventative Maintenance and Training

a ) Service  and Preventative maintenance – Does the company offer a service and PM contract?

b) Is the maintenance team factory trained?

c) Warranty- what is the warranty and what does it include?

d) Is training available and what is the cost?

e) Where is the steriliser manufactured and how many years has the autoclave manufacturer been in business? How many autoclaves has the supplier sold in NZ?

f) Ask for references- speak to someone who has one of these autoclaves in their lab

For more information, email us at info@acornsci.com or visit our website at www.acornsci.com.

Next Post →