Autoclaves
Definition :
Device used for medical & dental instruments sterilization
Types of autoclaves :
1. Method of loading
2.class (mechanism of action)
3.size (capacity)
1.) Method of loading:
A. Vertical autoclaves:
opening at top . they have a smaller capacity chamber.
for 1-laboratory
2-smaller clinics with cramped spaces
B. Horizontal autoclaves:
Front-loading steam sterilizers with a larger capacity chamber.
For larger places
2.) by class : (mechanism of action)
Class N autoclaves:
gravity displacement autoclave→ only remove a certain portion of the air inside the
machine’s chamber.
for the treatment of simpler loads like flat medical tools.
Class S autoclaves:
-Another type of gravity displacement autoclave , but by repeating the process 3 times,
- it can actually extract all the air from the chamber→ treat bagged instruments and
porous loads. Still less efficient and not as fast a class B autoclave.
Class B autoclaves:
pre-vacuum autoclaves removing all the air from their chamber with a powerful vacuum
pump.
- can sterilize the most materials→ effectiveness make them very attractive for all kinds
of medical facilities .
- faster---ease-of-use
- completely automated process:
3.) by size (capacity) :
Large steam sterilizers:
for large medical facilities like hospitals
Medium-sized steam sterilizers:
for dental clinic, or for operating theaters in hospitals.
Small (benchtop) steam sterilizers :
for smaller facilities with limited available space, and who do not need to sterilize as
many medical tools each day.