Sterilization Equipment Guide: Autoclaves, Sterilizers and Accessories for Healthcare

Complete Guide to Sterilization Equipment for Healthcare Facilities

Proper sterilization is essential for patient safety and infection prevention. This guide covers sterilization equipment selection, operation, and maintenance for hospitals, clinics, dental offices, and other healthcare settings.

Steam Sterilization (Autoclaves)

Autoclave Types

Gravity Displacement Autoclaves

• Uses gravity to remove air from the chamber
• Most common and economical option
• Suitable for unwrapped goods, liquids, and non-porous items
• Longer cycle times than pre-vacuum models
• Price range: $3,000-$15,000

Pre-Vacuum (Prevacuum) Autoclaves

• Vacuum pump removes air before steam injection
• Faster cycles and better steam penetration
• Essential for wrapped instrument packs and porous loads
• Required for surgical instrument processing
• Price range: $8,000-$50,000

Class B Sterilizers

• European standard (EN 13060) classification
• Fractionated vacuum technology
• Suitable for all load types including hollow instruments
• Common in dental and specialty practices
• Price range: $5,000-$20,000

Autoclave Size Selection

Chamber Size	Typical Use	Facility Type
9-11 liters	Small loads, 1-2 cassettes	Small dental/medical offices
17-23 liters	Medium loads, 2-4 cassettes	Busy practices, multi-operatory
40-60 liters	Large loads, 4-6 cassettes	Surgery centers, hospitals
100+ liters	High volume processing	Central sterile supply departments

Key Autoclave Features

• Programmable cycles – Pre-set and customizable sterilization programs
• Data logging – Digital record keeping for compliance
• Printer integration – Cycle documentation and labels
• Drying cycles – Post-sterilization moisture removal
• Self-diagnostic – Error detection and troubleshooting

Low-Temperature Sterilization

Ethylene Oxide (EtO) Sterilizers

• For heat and moisture-sensitive instruments
• Long cycle times (several hours plus aeration)
• Requires special ventilation and safety controls
• Being phased out in favor of newer technologies

Hydrogen Peroxide Gas Plasma

• Low-temperature sterilization (50-55°C)
• Fast cycles (28-75 minutes)
• No toxic residues or aeration required
• Ideal for heat-sensitive devices, endoscopes
• Price range: $30,000-$80,000

Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide (VHP)

• Room/chamber decontamination
• Material-compatible with most medical devices
• Environmentally friendly (decomposes to water and oxygen)

High-Level Disinfection Equipment

Automated Endoscope Reprocessors (AERs)

• Standardized cleaning and HLD for flexible endoscopes
• Reduces variability in manual reprocessing
• Documentation and traceability features
• Price range: $15,000-$50,000

Ultrasonic Cleaners

• Pre-cleaning step before sterilization
• Removes bioburden from instruments
• Various sizes for different volumes
• Price range: $500-$5,000

Sterilization Accessories

Sterilization Packaging

• Sterilization pouches – Self-seal or heat-seal, various sizes
• Sterilization wrap – Crepe paper, SMS fabric, or combination
• Rigid containers – Reusable metal/plastic containers with filters
• Indicator tape – External process indicators

Sterilization Monitoring

Chemical Indicators

• Class 1 – Process indicators (external tape)
• Class 4 – Multi-parameter indicators
• Class 5 – Integrating indicators (internal)
• Class 6 – Emulating indicators (cycle-specific)

Biological Indicators

• Gold standard for sterilization verification
• Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores for steam
• Bacillus atrophaeus for EtO and dry heat
• Self-contained BIs with rapid readout options

Bowie-Dick Tests

• Daily air removal testing for prevacuum autoclaves
• Disposable test packs available
• Required before first processed load each day

Water Quality for Sterilization

Water Treatment Requirements

• Deionized water – Minimum requirement for tabletop autoclaves
• Distilled water – Preferred for most sterilizers
• Reverse osmosis (RO) systems – Continuous quality water supply
• Water quality testing – Conductivity monitoring

Water Quality Impact

Poor water quality causes:

• Instrument spotting and staining
• Chamber scale buildup
• Valve and gasket damage
• Shortened equipment lifespan

Regulatory Compliance

Standards and Guidelines

• AAMI ST79 – Steam sterilization in healthcare facilities
• AAMI ST91 – Flexible and semi-rigid endoscope processing
• CDC Guidelines – Disinfection and sterilization in healthcare
• State Health Department – Facility-specific requirements

Documentation Requirements

• Sterilization logs with cycle parameters
• Biological indicator results
• Equipment maintenance records
• Staff training documentation
• Load recall procedures

Equipment Selection Considerations

Capacity Planning

1. Assess current instrument volume and types
2. Project future growth and service expansion
3. Calculate cycle times and daily throughput needs
4. Plan for equipment redundancy (backup capacity)

Installation Requirements

• Electrical specifications (voltage, amperage, phase)
• Water supply and drainage connections
• Ventilation requirements
• Space and clearance needs
• Floor load capacity for larger units

Sterilization Equipment from LAC Health

LAC Health offers a complete range of sterilization equipment, supplies, and monitoring products for healthcare facilities. From tabletop autoclaves for small practices to complete central sterile solutions, our specialists can help you design an optimal sterilization program. Contact us for equipment demonstrations and competitive pricing.