A VERY important section of any medical practice or hospital is what is called the Central Sterilization and Supplies Department or CSSD. In the typical CSSD of a hospital, surgical equipments and bandages and supplies are sterilized and cleansed and ready for re-use. The equipment for sterilization is called an autoclave or commonly called a sterilizer.

A medical autoclave is a device that uses steam to sterilize equipment and other objects.

By sterilizing, all bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores are inactivated.

There are chemical and biological indicators that can be used to ensure an autoclave reached the correct temperature for the correct amount of time.

Chemical indicators can be found on medical packaging and autoclave tape, and these change color once the correct conditions have been met. With the change in color, we have indication that the object inside the package, or under the tape, has been autoclaved sufficiently.

Setting the right temperature is very important, because if the autoclave did not reach the right temperature, the spores of certain bacteriium will germinate. Any surgical instrument which is not properly cleansed and sterilized is extremely dangerous to the patient and this is downright disapproved. Stringent control and adherence to best practice is necessary in any CSSD.

Today, more than ever, with the need for the best health and recovery rates, we need autoclaves and sterilizers that are reliable and simple to use.

A basic manual autoclave that can satisfy all of our common sterilization needs and is perfect for multi-doctor practices, clinics or surgery centers, would feature most if not all of the following features:

1. Required to be a closed door active drying system.

2. 15" x 30" chamber accommodates longer instruments or a large number of small instruments.

3. One touch design for simplicity of operation.

4. Automatically fill, sterilize, exhaust and dries at the touch of a button.

As technology improves and autoclaves are specialized equipment, purchasing the autoclave needs a lot of study and research into what you require, the capacity of the autoclave, digital or analog controls, ease of operation and training to be provided by the vendor.

Peter Lim is a Certified Financial Planner and Webmaster. For more details and information on the various types of autoclaves and sterilizers, visit this free resource "Online Guide - Autoclaves and Sterilizers" at http://autoclaves-sterilizers.online-guides.info Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Lim

Shop on-line for Super Deals!



WE all know that purchasing medical equipment for your private practice, surgery center or the hospital you work for can prove to be very demanding.

First you have to locate the medical equipment you are looking for, make sure it meets all necessary requirements, and meet budget and delivery stipulations. If you find yourself in such a situation, arguably the best choice isto order medical equipment online. There are some very good companies that offer both new and refurbished equipment, so you can stay within a budget and make a great deal at the same time.

Patient monitor devices and systems are some of the most frequently used equipments, especially vital signs devices and monitors. These medical equipments are crucial in every practice and hospital, but because of frequent use, they must be replaced quite often.

This can be indeed a very difficult task especially when time is critical. In these situations, ordering on-line is especially attractive. Some online stores offer both refurbished and new vital signs devices, so money should not be a problem. Furthermore, ordering online saves you a lot of time and it is also easier because there are more products to choose from.

Sterilizers are another category of medical equipment that no sanitary facility can do without. There are different types of sanitizers, such as autoclaves, automatic autoclaves or manual autoclaves, all of which are available on-line. And - depending on the manufacturer - the refurbished equipment can be better than the new, a prime consideration when on a tight budget.

And - not surprisingly - online shopping for medical equipment is likely to save you a lot of money. For example online shops have a diverse range of spirometry medical equipment at very competitive prices. Holter system equipment can also be bought brand new or refurbished from online medical equipment stores. Each piece of equipment that you purchase will be accompanied by full description, technical data and all information necessary.

Purchasing medical equipment online is very easy. All you have to do is make an account and start shopping for otoscopes, opthtalmoscopes, exam tables or any other medical equipment you need.

So, if you want the best, at the best prices and need it as soon as possible, online shopping for medical equipment looks like the perfect choice!

Sterlization

Big

Show Success.

By Ken McCarty

in Sterilizers

THE 29th ACHEMA exhibition in Frankfurt am Mein is now regarded by many as one of the most successful shows in history. For five straight days in May 2009, over 173,000 people from nearly every country around the world visited 3,767 different exhibitions at the conference. The focus of the tradeshow was the latest developments in laboratory and pharmaceutical technology. One of the companies displaying their wares at ACHEMA was the MMM Medcenter. They showcased their innovative sterilization equipment.

MMM Medcenter specializes in supplying heat technology products for drying, incubating, and hot air sterilization. They cater to companies doing applied research & development, production & manufacturing, quality assurance, and process data monitoring. In addition to laboratory ovens and incubators, their product line includes various sizes of steam sterilizers and hot air sterilizers.

MMM Medcenter Products

The STERICELL hot air sterilizer reaches temperatures of between 160 degrees Celsius and 180 degrees Celsius for 30 to 60 minutes depending on the required application. The exact temperature can be specified by the operator. Sterilizing dry air is forced to circulate in an even and controlled manner during the exposure time. The technique for forced circulation is patented. The whole process is isolated in a closed pressure chamber that is manufactured of stainless steel.

At the ACHEMA 2009, the Medcenter concentrated on presenting samples of their new and increasingly popular Venticell 111 laboratory oven and sterilizer with a door window and interior lighting; CO2CELL 170 standard laboratory incubator with high temperature decontamination; and Vacucell with Vacustation, a chemical resistant vacuum pump. Other innovations highlighted were the fully programmable lighting system for the Climacell and Friocell, the steam generator for the Climacell, and their latest version of the data monitoring system called WARMCOMM.

Many of their newest innovations are now options available to customers at no additional cost. The company began offering these add-ons during the summer of 2009. These helpful features will allow MMM Medcenter to meet the needs of future customers and better serve current clients.

More About ACHEMA

ACHEMA has been and continues to be a premier worldwide exhibition for innovation and technology development. It is held once every three years and the first convention occurred in 1920. Initially the primary focus was related to chemical engineering. Over the years, it has been expanded to include Environmental Protection and Biotechnology. Technically speaking, ACHEMA is the largest venue for the exchange of information between academics and industry, customer and vendor, and industry and government.

The market leaders in laboratory, medical, and chemical manufacturing/distributing all attend this exhibition. The connections and relationships developed here provide a solid foundation for future partnerships. The information shared promotes further advances in technology. Participating industries gain insight on ideas and products that they should be marketing. This is where science is turned into practical, real world applications. The next event is scheduled for 2012 and vendors are already marking the event on their calendars.

Planning for the purchase of new, improved autoclave equipment can be exciting. However, you don’t have to wait for a trade show to come to town to buy your new steam sterilizer. You can explore your available options right now with the help of our free report.

Varieties of

Autoclave



AN autoclave is used to sterilize medical, beautician and other equipment such as tattooing and piercing paraphernalia, and its basic function is to kill bacteria.

This is achieved through application of extreme heat, steam and pressure to articles placed in the sterilization chamber, and accomplished by the removal of air from the sterilization chamber to create a vacuum, then superheated steam is applied.

There are several types of autoclave in use:


Downward Displacement

The downward displacement autoclave is also referred to as a gravity displacement unit. This is because of the method of air removal in the sterilization chamber. A heating element is submerged in a pool of water, which when heated becomes steam.

As steam is lighter than air, it forces the air in the sterilization chamber downward and out through a drain hole. Once the temperature in the sterilization chamber is sufficient, the drain hole is closed automatically and the sterilization process begins.


Positive Pressure Displacement

A positive pressure displacement autoclave is an improvement upon the design of a downward displacement unit. Steam is created in a second, separate chamber and held until the proper amount to displace all of the air in the sterilization chamber is accumulated.

The steam is then released into the sterilization chamber in a pressurized blast, forcing the air out through the drain hole and starting the sterilization process. This has the effect of a more accurate displacement of air than a downward displacement unit can achieve.


Negative Pressure Displacement


A negative pressure displacement autoclave is one of the most accurate types of unit available. Once the sterilization chamber door is closed, a vacuum pump removes the air, while steam is created in a second, separate chamber.

Once the air has been completely removed from the sterilization chamber, the steam is then released into the sterilization chamber in a pressurized blast much like that of a positive pressure displacement unit. The negative pressure displacement unit is able to achieve a high "Sterility Assurance Level" (SAL), but the system can be quite large and costly.


Triple Vacuum Autoclave


A triple vacuum autoclave is set up in a similar fashion to a negative pressure displacement unit in that there is a vacuum pump to remove air from the sterilization chamber and steam is created in a second, separate chamber or unit. The process begins by the vacuum removing the air, then a pulse of steam. This is repeated three times, hence the name "triple vacuum" autoclave. This type of autoclave is suitable for all types of instruments and is very versatile.


Type "N" vs. Type "B"


Each autoclave can be classified as a type "N" unit or a type "B" unit. Type "N" units do not use a vacuum to remove air from the sterilization chamber, whereas type "B" units do use a vacuum pump. The difference in operation means type "N" autoclaves are suitable for a specific type of load--for solid, unwrapped instruments. Type "B" autoclaves can be used on wrapped and hollow instruments, which means a piece of equipment can be sterilized now for later use.

Positions

To

Uphold

WHEN planning and designing a laboratory the task of positioning or repositioning a laboratory autoclave can be at either end of the “easy-impossible” scale.

While bench top autoclaves and those with a small footprint usually present fewer problems there is often a temptation with larger models to fit a quart into a pint pot. So why worry? For one thing it is not unknown for some manufacturers to leave their equipment at the bottom of the stairs if there is not an easy way in - leaving the problem of getting it into position down to you. Also, how would you feel about digging up your brand new laboratory floor to install the necessary drains. In the longer term most laboratory autoclaves live in splendid isolation in the corner of lab – until they stop working. It is a little late to discover that service engineers do not fit into a 50mm gap while your laboratory is grinding to a halt!

In older buildings, which have been adapted from their original uses, access and drainage can be a problem. With newer buildings it is not unusual for architects, when designing and positioning a laboratory, to overlook the requirements for large, heavy pieces of laboratory equipment such as autoclaves. It is often the case that little thought is given to the services and space required for the installation of such equipment or to the removal of equipment with a shorter life-span than the building.

"It is not unknown for some manufacturers to leave their equipment at the bottom of the stairs if there is not an easy way in - leaving the problem of getting it into position down to you."

The increased sophistication of laboratory autoclaves with venting and vacuum systems, coupled with an increased awareness of possible bio-hazards means that in most cases it is no longer sensible to plan the position of an autoclave without considering drainage and water supplies.
Some key questions to ask are:

Positioning and Installation
• Can you get the autoclave into the suggested location via any steps, corridors, tight corners and doors?
• If on an upper floor, is a suitable lift available?
• Will there be enough space around it for service access?
• Is access to a drain available and if so is the drain vented?
• Will the drainpipes and joints stand the temperature of the exhaust from the autoclave?
• Room size - Just how much space do you really have?
For a cabinet type autoclave you should ideally allow the following:
To the sides, 1m.
To the rear, 300mm.
To the front, 2m or twice the length of any loading trolley.
• Will heat extraction be required, especially if installation is planned in a separate small autoclave room?
Any reputable supplier will be able to provide assistance, advice and information on these factors. Often you will be able to arrange a site survey to make sure that everything is going to fit.

Services
• What services do you have or need and how do they match up with the manufacturer’s requirements? These may include:

Electrical Supply - 415 Volt 3 Phase or 240 Volt Single Phase and how many amps?
Water – will mains water be OK or will treated (softened or RO) water be required? Is the supply pressure sufficient?
Drains - are they heat resistant?
Drains should withstand steam up to 140°C. Domestic plastic waste pipes will melt if connected to an autoclave and on some other systems, although the pipes are temperature resistant, the joints can be affected over time. This can be overcome by cooling the autoclave exhaust but is better arranged at the time of manufacture rather than after a costly leak.
• Are they big enough?
• Are they vented at a high level outside of the building?
• Is a separate drain for overflows and drip trays required?

Steam (if required)
• Plant Steam or Clean Steam?
• Is the line pressure acceptable and is the steam dry enough?
Compressed air
• If required, is there sufficient pressure and capacity?
A problem with any of these issues is not necessarily the end of the world; by talking to the autoclave supplier or manufacturer early in the planning process most issues can be quite easily overcome.

By Tony Collins. Tony is Managing Director of Priorclave Ltd and has worked in the Laboratory Autoclave business in various roles since 1981

When Table Top

Is the

Answer

TABLE top autoclaves are used when a portable system is needed. These units come with automatic protection for overflow in the waste collection system. The waste purge system is automated, and it does not require removing the canister manually for cleaning. The allowable noise level is 75 dB. Some units are quiet and others are on the upper end of the noise range.

Table top autoclaves are smaller than standard autoclaves and cannot process as many instruments at one time as the larger counterpart. Although, some table top autoclaves have chamber sizes as large as 15" x 30". Some autoclaves are not equipped to treat porous dressings and towels. Several table top autoclaves are available. One model is a one or two cubic feet chamber for sterilization of small items. Steam is created from distilled water placed in the chamber.

table tops are versatile

The temperature and the pressure rise to a predetermined setting where sterilization occurs. Another model is a cassette design that houses the package and steam chamber. The same basic principle applies. Distilled water is heated and pressurized to reach maximum steam heat. Another unit contains a basket for the instruments where the pressurized steam can reach every crevice.

Autoclaving is the most dependable method of sterilization. Microorganisms cannot hide from the steam under pressure. The intense heat of 250°F for a specified amount of time under pressure will destroy any form of bacteria. The air within the chamber is forced out with the pressurized steam so there is nothing left inside the autoclave except steam and the sterilized articles.

AUTOCLAVES were invented by French microbioligist Charles Chamberland in 1879, who worked alongside Louis Pastuer who invented the Patuerisation process.

The basic function of an autoclave machine is to pressurise aqueous solutions and heat them above their boiling point which will cause the solution to be sterilised as well as anything in the solution.

In order to create sterilisation using water you need to be able to heat water past its normal boiling point. Under regular conditions water is not able to be heated above 100degrees Celcius. Further heating will not cause the liquid to rise in temperature it simply boils the water.

The solution to heating water beyond its normal boiling point is to heat it in a sealed container. This happens because the pressure within the sealed container increases as the water heats up, causing the waters boiling point to increase due to the amount of energy needed to form steam increasing.

Because air is very poor at steralising it needs to be removed from the autoclave chamber first. Different autoclaves remove air using different methods. Some autoclaves use a vacuum pump to remove the air from the sterilisation chamber, while others use a series of pressurisation and depressurisation of the central chamber to create airlessness.

Many different industries have uses for autoclaves this includes: medicine, dentistry, science, podiatry and body piercing.

When an autoclave is used for medical purposes the idea is to sterilise reusable equipment so that bacteria, viruses and fungi are destroyed. However protein prions like those associated with CJD are able to withstand the usual 121 degree temperature and can still be active when. To kill protein prions a longer cycle and higher temperature is used (134 degrees Celcius).

Due to the humid hot environment that is created in an autoclave medical instruments made out of some forms of plastic cannot be sterilised, but many small medical instruments are now single use which eliminates this problem.

Two common brands of small worktop autoclaves found in many dental surgeries and labs across the world are Prestige medical autoclaves and enigma autoclaves. In general there are 3 methods that can be used to ensure that an autoclave has reached the correct heating temperature within the chamber and therefore sterilisation has taken place.

Some medical packaging has a chemical indicator on it that changes colour once sterilisation has occurred within the packaging. In some autoclaves an alloy is present that will melt once the correct temperature has been reached and in others a pH sensitive chemical is present which will change colour once the required conditions have been met.

In addition to these indicators autoclaves have visible temperature sensors, pressure gauges and times on the outside of the machine.

This article has been written by Ross Fraser and talks about autoclaves used to steralise.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ross_Fraser