According to reports published on Pr-Inside.Com, overall sales of sterilization equipment in the US were approximately $1 billion in 2009. This figure is expected to rise to $1.2 billion by 2014. Health professionals and patients are increasingly concerned about the spread of deadly diseases and complications caused by the transmission of pathogens through medical instruments. More and more healthcare providers are turning their attention to infection control.
Proper sterilization can prevent microbial contamination of medical instruments and protect patients and doctors from various infectious diseases. Instruments can be sterilized with the help of high pressure, heat, irradiation, and chemical solutions.
Sterilization Equipment: Different Types of Autoclaves
An autoclave is a type of sterilization equipment used to sterilize instruments used in hospitals, clinics, beauty salons, tattoo parlors, and piercing shops. The basic function of the device is to kill pathogenic microorganisms.
Pathogens are killed by applying extreme heat, pressure, and steam to instruments placed inside the sterilization chamber. The pressure maintained within the chamber is typically 15 pounds (lb)/in2 above normal atmospheric pressure. However, the total time required to achieve complete sterility depends on the volume of the articles and the type of material used in them. The two different types of autoclaves are:
scroll down
Scroll down autoclave sterilizer is also known as gravity scroll unit. It uses a heating element to heat the water and produce steam. The steam, which is lighter than air, forces the air inside the sterilization chamber to move downward. Finally, the air leaves through the drain hole of the sterilization chamber. Once the temperature in the chamber is sufficient, the hole closes automatically and the sterilization process starts.
Positive Pressure Displacement
This sterilization equipment is an improved version of the downward displacement autoclave. It uses a separate chamber to create and hold the steam. Once a sufficient amount of steam accumulates, it is released into the sterilization unit in a pressurized stream. This forces air out of the drain hole and begins the sterilization process.
Other autoclaves available on the market today include Negative Pressure Displacement, Triple Vacuum, Type “N” Unit, and Type “B” Unit Autoclaves.
To purchase superior quality sterilization equipment at the most competitive prices, visit expressmedicalsupplies.com. The company offers a wide range of sterilization supplies, including autoclaves, disinfectants, instrument cleaners, lubricants, sterilizing solutions, and infectious waste bags.
