What Should a Canadian Medical Office Expect During a Regular Autoclave Maintenance Visit?

Autoclaves, as you know, are the gold standard for sterilizing materials and instruments and are the go-to choice in most medical offices for sterilization. Autoclaves need regular maintenance, and in today’s blog, we want to give you an idea what to expect during one of these regular visits. 

Regular maintenance visits are necessary for an autoclave. An autoclave service company will make regularly scheduled visits to your medical office to inspect your autoclave and reassure you that your autoclave is working perfectly and performing the job that it is required to do. 

Here is what to expect not necessarily in this order: 

1. A conversation with the maintenance technician.

The technician may ask to see your records of when and how often you use the autoclave. You will be asked if you are experiencing any problems, anything unusual or anything you do not understand. This is a great opportunity to ask questions.

2. Cleaning and/or descaling 

If needed, your autoclave will be cleaned and/or descaled. This is more relevant in areas where your water is very hard. 

3. Testing 

The technician will run multiple tests to make sure the autoclave is reaching the designated temperatures and pressures during a cycle. Calibration will be performed as needed. 

4. System Inspection 

Your maintenance person will check that the locks are doors are working and the seals are performing as required. The purpose of this is not just for the performance of the autoclave but also for the safety of those working with the autoclave. 

5. Parts 

Any parts needing replacement will be attended to such as gaskets on doors which obviously wear over time. 

6. Documentation 

You will receive documentation that your autoclave has been serviced by a technician, and what maintenance was performed and what tests were performed and that your autoclave is working perfectly.  

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.