Your Autoclave: Equipment Sterilization Is More Important Now Than Ever
In 2021, you’ve probably thought more about sterilization and disinfection than you ever have before.
Of course, you’ve always practiced safely and hygienically. But, this year’s pandemic brought the need for drastic measures like curbside service, face masks during everyday interactions, and washing your hands even more frequently…
… and, you and your staff probably feel like you’re cleaning, cleaning, cleaning all day long!
Best practices for cleaning surfaces and equipment
According to many experts, the best way to avoid viral exposure is the elimination of the risk.
This is where isolation and social distancing protocols come in. Your distancing measures of curbside service, telemedicine, and a limited number of people inside your hospital can all help.
Social distancing within the practice and avoiding the sharing of spaces and equipment as much as possible can also help.
Then, there’s PPE to help minimize any potential exposures—as well as your cleaning and disinfection protocols.
You wear gloves and face masks, you wash your hands and use hand sanitizers, and you clean the surfaces and equipment in your practice.
During your cleaning efforts, don’t forget about a powerful piece of sterilization equipment you probably use frequently…
Maximize your use of this key piece of veterinary equipment…
If your own or work at a veterinary practice, there’s a good chance you have at least one autoclave available for use.
Autoclaves use steam under pressure to kill microbes and are one of the most powerful disinfecting tools you have in your arsenal.
Surgical equipment—and beyond!
An autoclave is a tried and true method of sterilization for surgical packs, drapes, and tools.
But, maybe there are a few more items you don’t always think of that could be put into an autoclave for quick, thorough disinfection.
Things your autoclave can be used for include…
Gowns for surgery, isolation, or general use as an extra layer of protection.
Cloth caps.
Cloth face masks.
Surgery light handles.
Nitrile exam gloves or surgical gloves (ideally these would be single-use, but there are procedures described to maximize the lifespan of your PPE during shortages).
Dentistry tools.
Wound care items such as Penrose drains.
Cones/specula for otoscopes.
Pipette tips.
Certain muzzles.
Certain nail clippers.
Biological waste—in case you suspect viral contamination and want to sterilize waste prior to disposal.
There may be other items you can sterilize, too—so get creative!
Just be sure to check the manufacturer’s guidelines before you sterilize a new item—they’ll guide you on what’s safe or not safe to go in your autoclave.
But, once you get into the habit, this will save you time and do a more thorough job of eliminating microbes than most hand cleanings could ever do.
Why invest in a top-of-the-line autoclave?
In modern times, we can’t help but think of an autoclave as a potent killer of coronavirus!
But really, a good autoclave is useful to you all the time, pandemic or no pandemic. It ensures your equipment is properly sterilized from all microbes prior to use.
A good quality autoclave is dependable and makes your life easier via the simplicity of use. Here’s what we recommend you look for…
Several setting options including solid or liquid items, and wrapped or unwrapped items.
The option to choose a preset that suits your needs.
Large water reservoir so you don’t have to refill as often.
A tabletop model with a large chamber capacity so you can fit more items per cycle.
Locking mechanisms for safety.
A strong warranty and excellent customer service.
Our pick is this Full-Size Veterinary Autoclave because it meets all of these criteria, and has an industry-leading 3-year warranty (which includes a loaner autoclave if yours ever needs to be serviced).
How to keep your autoclave healthy
It’s always important to protect your investments by caring for your equipment—and that’s even more true during times when the business may be slower due to social distancing.
Here are a few tips to keep your autoclave in tip-top shape…
Use distilled water, not tap water.
Post guidelines for routine maintenance (otherwise, it’s easy to forget!).
Look for debris when the autoclave is cool, and clean it as needed.
Wipe the trays clean weekly.
Note any water or steam leaks.
Listen for any unusual sounds.
Observe the tape indicator each time, to ensure the autoclave is functioning as it should.
With a little attention and care, your autoclave will stay healthy—and in turn, it can help keep your equipment pathogen-free!