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How to Define Autoclave

If you define autoclave, it is actually one of the most important equipment of a dentist. Autoclave brands like Melag have been preferred by many dental professionals because of the effectiveness it can give to their practice. But before delving deeper, let’s go to the most basic concept of this device.

A medical autoclave is a pressure chamber using pressurized, saturated steam to sterilize different medical and dental equipment items. This is a very quick and highly effective way to sterilize equipment. The level of sterility achieved by hot, dry air at 160 degrees Celsius after two hours, can be matched by steam at 134 degrees Celsius in three minutes.

Mechanism of Action

Autoclaves remove all air from inside the pressure chamber before they begin the sterilization process. How it removes the air totally depends on its type.

  • Vacuum pump
    The pump sucks air from the chamber
  • Downward displacement

Downward displacement types use gravity to remove dry air. Steam enters the pressure chamber from the top, forcing the heavier dry air to the bottom of the chamber, where it is forced to exit the pressure chamber, typically via a valve or drain.

  • Steam pulsing

This uses pulses of steam to change the air quality in the chamber while the chamber is simultaneously pressurized and depressurized.

  • A combination method

There are a number of other types of autoclaves that combine one or more of the above methods to steam-fill the chamber and remove dry air.

Avoid potential problems by choosing an autoclave that’s right for you

If maintenance errors occur, sterilization levels are affected. When choosing a type of autoclave, choose one that fits your dental practice’s needs and helps avoid the following pitfalls.

  • Inadequate temperature, time, or pressure

Be sure to choose an autoclave that suits your practice’s daily workload and supplies adequate power.

  • Overloading the sterilizer

Select an autoclave that is large enough to accommodate your practice’s needs.

  • Inadequate spacing of handpieces or instruments in the cleaning section

Choose an autoclave whose cleaning section is easy to use and that helps hold all implements in the appropriate position.

  • Improper autoclave operation

Train all staff who will be using the autoclave in its operation. Additionally, choose an autoclave that’s easy to operate.

  • Improper packaging

Follow guidelines that pertain to how handpieces and other equipment items are to be wrapped (if at all) before cleaning.

  • Faulty seals or gaskets

Purchase a quality, low-maintenance autoclave—dental practices are busy places—and perform maintenance whenever it is required.define autoclave

Always remember that the cheapest brand of autoclave does not guarantee it’s the best. In most cases, the cheapest may even be the type that will most likely compromise your practice. For brands like Melag, it may not have the lowest price compared to its competitions. But it guarantees that your investment will be worth it.

Think about your specific dental practice and ask yourself what errors will most likely be more common than others. From there, consider different autoclave models.

Remember, choosing the right kind of autoclave is very important. Low quality autoclaves can destroy your career.

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