Laboratory Autoclaves: A Buying Guide for Facility Managers

Executive buying summary

Laboratory autoclaves are essential for sterilisation processes within research, clinical, and industrial settings, ensuring the inactivation of microorganisms on equipment and materials. Selecting the appropriate autoclave requires careful consideration of chamber size, throughput requirements, and the types of load being processed. Total cost of ownership is influenced by factors such as energy consumption, maintenance frequency, and the complexity of validation requirements. A common risk is selecting a unit that doesn’t meet the specific needs of the organisation, leading to inefficient processes or compliance issues.

• Thorough assessment of sterilisation needs is paramount to selecting the correct autoclave type and capacity.
• Compliance with relevant standards and regulations, such as HTM 01-01 and BS EN ISO 17665, is essential for safe and effective operation.
• Consideration of ongoing maintenance and validation requirements is crucial for long-term operational efficiency.
• Operator training and competency are vital to ensure consistent and correct autoclave operation and minimise risk.
• A robust service and support agreement is recommended to ensure prompt response to breakdowns and preventative maintenance.

Equipment types compared

Key features to look for

• Chamber Material & Finish: The material should be resistant to corrosion and chemical attack, and the finish should be easy to clean and decontaminate; ask about the grade of stainless steel used.
• Vacuum System: For applications requiring vacuum, ensure the system is robust and provides adequate air removal; enquire about the vacuum pump’s capacity and maintenance requirements.
• Cycle Programmability: The ability to create and store custom cycle parameters is crucial for different load types; confirm the number of programmable cycles and the ease of programming.
• Data Logging & Traceability: Comprehensive data logging is essential for audit trails and validation purposes; verify the type of data recorded and the export options available.
• Safety Features: Autoclaves must incorporate safety features such as door locking mechanisms and pressure relief valves; check for compliance with Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000.
• Internal Lighting: Adequate internal lighting allows for visual inspection of load conditions; confirm the light intensity and placement.
• Bowie-Dick Test Functionality: This test verifies air removal effectiveness and is a regulatory requirement; ensure the autoclave includes an automated Bowie-Dick test cycle.
• User Interface & Accessibility: The control panel should be intuitive and easy to use, with clear displays and accessible controls; consider the ergonomics of the design for operators.

Pros and cons of each equipment type

Small Steam Steriliser (Benchtop)

Pros: Compact footprint, suitable for smaller laboratories, relatively lower upfront cost.

Cons: Limited chamber volume, lower throughput, may not be suitable for larger loads.

Mid-Size Steam Steriliser (Floor Standing)

Pros: Increased chamber volume and throughput compared to benchtop models, often incorporates vacuum assistance.

Cons: Requires more floor space, higher upfront cost than benchtop models, potentially more complex validation.

Large Steam Steriliser (Roll-in/Walk-in)

Pros: High throughput, suitable for large loads and palletised materials, often automated features.

Cons: Significant floor space requirement, highest upfront cost, complex installation and validation requirements.

Class B Vacuum Autoclave

Pros: Ensures effective sterilisation of porous and wrapped materials, suitable for a wide range of applications.

Cons: Cycle times may be longer compared to non-vacuum autoclaves, potentially higher energy consumption.

Low Temperature Pasteurisation Equipment

Pros: Suitable for heat-sensitive materials, prevents damage to delicate items.

Cons: Lower lethality compared to steam sterilisation, may not be suitable for all microorganisms.

Which facilities each type suits

• Small Steam Steriliser (Benchtop): Research laboratories, small clinics, point-of-care settings with limited space and low volume requirements.
• Mid-Size Steam Steriliser (Floor Standing): Hospitals, larger laboratories, manufacturing facilities with moderate sterilisation needs.
• Large Steam Steriliser (Roll-in/Walk-in): Central sterile supply departments (CSSD), large hospitals, pharmaceutical manufacturing plants with high volume sterilisation demands.
• Class B Vacuum Autoclave: Hospitals, research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, where porous materials or wrapped instruments need to be reliably sterilised.
• Low Temperature Pasteurisation Equipment: Pharmaceutical companies, food processing facilities, laboratories handling heat-sensitive biological samples.

Buyer's checklist

1. Site Assessment: Verify adequate power supply, ventilation, and floor load-bearing capacity.
2. Risk Assessment: Conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify potential hazards and ensure appropriate safety measures are in place.
3. Regulatory Compliance: Confirm compliance with HTM 01-01, HTM 01-05, Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000, and Pressure Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016.
4. Validation Plan: Develop a comprehensive validation plan, including biological indicator testing and documentation.
5. Operator Training: Provide adequate training for all operators, covering safe operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
6. Service Agreement: Secure a robust service and support agreement with a reputable provider.
7. Spares Availability: Confirm the availability of spare parts and consumables.
8. Cycle Validation: Validate all cycle parameters to ensure effective sterilisation.
9. Water Quality: Ensure the water supply meets the required quality standards for autoclave operation.
10. Lifecycle Costing: Consider the total cost of ownership, including energy consumption, maintenance, and validation costs.