Class B & S autoclaves
for veterinary medicine

The autoclave is an indispensable tool in the modern veterinary practice. It ensures that your medical products and materials are free from germs and bacteria, which is of the utmost importance for the health of our animal patients. But what exactly is an autoclave and why is it so important? In the following sections, we address these questions in detail.

What is an autoclave?

An autoclave is a sterilization device that is mainly used in medical and veterinary facilities. By applying steam under high pressure and at high temperatures, all microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi and spores, are killed. The process of steam sterilization ensures that medical instruments can be safely reused.

How an autoclave works

Sterilization in an autoclave takes place in several steps:

1. Pre-vacuum: Air is removed from the sterilization chamber to ensure that the steam reaches each instrument completely.

2. Steam sterilization: Hot steam (usually at 121-134°C) penetrates the instruments and materials. The holding time at 134 °C is 5 minutes for the universal program.

3. Pressure release: After sterilization, the pressure is slowly reduced and prepared for vacuum drying.

4. Drying: The dried and now sterile instruments are ready for reuse at the end of the program.
   

Why is the autoclave so important in the veterinary practice?

• Hygiene and safety: The autoclave guarantees thorough sterilization, which significantly reduces the risk of infection. This is essential in a veterinary practice where many patients with different diseases are treated. Compared to the hot air sterilizers used in the past, the process documentation of an autoclave ensures a reproducible and validatable sterilization result.

• Efficiency: With an autoclave, large quantities of wrapped and unwrapped instruments can be sterilized in a short time. This is particularly advantageous in hectic practices where time is at a premium. Hot air sterilization at 180 °C, on the other hand, requires longer holding times and therefore longer program run times to ensure that the dry heat also reaches more complex instrument structures.

• Compliance: The use of an autoclave ensures that the practice complies with legal regulations and standards for hygiene and safety. The RKI guidelines recommend steam sterilization as the most effective sterilization method. The use of hot air is no longer considered up-to-date.

• Extended service life of instruments: Regular and correct sterilization contributes to the longevity of medical devices. Compared to a hot air sterilizer, the instruments are exposed to lower temperatures for a shorter period of time. The instrument-friendly conditions in the autoclave therefore ensure the long-term quality of instruments in veterinary practice.
  
  

Choosing the right autoclave in the veterinary practice

When selecting an autoclave for your veterinary practice, you should consider the following factors:

• Size and capacity: the autoclave should be large enough to hold the instruments you need, but also not too large to save energy and space.

• Cycles and programs: Different Class B or Class S autoclaves offer different sterilization cycles. Choose a sterilization process that is tailored to the needs and instruments of your practice.

• Reliability and maintenance: A high-quality autoclave should be durable and easy to maintain. Look for good customer reviews and reliable customer service in your area.

• Cost: When purchasing an autoclave, consider both the purchase costs and the ongoing operating costs. However, the autoclave is an Achilles heel in your veterinary practice. To avoid costly equipment failures and therefore loss of income, ideally you should opt for excellent quality at a fair price.
  

Conclusion

An autoclave is an essential piece of equipment in every veterinary practice. It ensures the sterilization of instruments and thus protects the health of the animals. Investing in a high-quality autoclave pays off in terms of improved hygiene, compliance with regulations and increased efficiency. If you are looking for a new autoclave, consider the above factors to make the best choice for your practice. Stay on top of the latest technology and ensure that your animal patients receive the best possible care. The autoclave will help you maintain the highest standards of hygiene and take your practice to the next level.