How Autoclaves Contribute to Infection Control

Infection control is a series of practices and procedures that are designed to limit the spread of microorganisms (and disease) in different settings, specifically, medical settings. Since autoclaves are the gold standard for the sterilization of equipment, autoclaves are a major player in infection control. 

Infection Control 

There are about a dozen common practices in basic infection control including things like hand hygiene, personal protective equipment and the safe handling of waste. One of the basic common practices is the sterilization of equipment. 

Importance of Equipment Sterilization 

If equipment or materials are not sterilized and used on multiple patients, then contaminated equipment can be a major vector for the transmission of microorganisms and disease. This is why a reliable method of sterilization is absolutely critical in medical, dental, veterinary, hospital, and laboratory settings, not to mention business and commercial settings requiring a sterile environment. 

Autoclaves 

Autoclaves have several benefits for sterilization. One benefit is that autoclaves use heat and steam and pressure which are able to access and sterilize in and around surfaces that are not flat or materials that are porous. Because the steam is a gas, it is more effective at sterilizing uneven surfaces than some other sterilization methods. 

Autoclave technology is relatively simple and reliable, and has demonstrated its effectiveness for almost 150 years, roughly the same length of time that the concept of sterile surgical environments became the norm. For these reasons, and others, autoclaves are considered state-of-the-art for the sterilization of equipment as part of the infection control equation. 

If you need help choosing, repairing, maintaining, installing, operating, or validating an autoclave, this is our business and area of expertise for many years. Give us a call, in western Canada at (888) 818-4847. We can help with every aspect of autoclaves including choosing the right one for you. 

Alpha Scientific supplies, installs, and services medical equipment in western Canada. If you have any questions about this article or would like to talk to us about medical equipment, please call our toll-free number, (888) 818-4847, or email us at sales@alphascientific.ca.