A sterilizer is a general term for any equipment that can sterilize. A common method to sterilize equipment is by autoclaving. The preferred principle for sterilization is through heat, the autoclave being the most widely used method i.e. using saturated steam. Autoclaving is the use of pressurized steam at high temperature to kill fungi, microbes, spores, bacteria or viruses that are hard to destroy using conventional disinfection methods. Autoclaves use only steam to disinfect, while other sterilizers may use high pressure, friction, chemicals, filtration or a combination of processes to sterilize a surface.
Why are autoclaves more in demand especially in small hospitals?
Choosing the right sterilizer depends on the sterilization requirements (i.e. what items need to be sterilized), sizing needs and how much space is available for storage. The chamber in the sterilizer needs to be at least a little more than the length of the longest instrument that will be sterilized.
Both autoclaves and sterilizers use same technology, where sterilizers are expensive and better used in large scale applications. Sterilizers use steam or other gases or a mixture of both to do the sterilization process, hence the process is more time consuming and expensive. Sterilizers are complex in construction and consume more electricity. The operating time of sterilizers are more since it has many steps to eliminate the spores like heating, vacuum etc. However, sterilizers penetrate more, safer, more effective and preferred to be used in high end application in hospitals and pharmaceuticals and etc.
An autoclave uses the power of steam under pressure, to kill
bacteria, spores and germs resistant to boiling water and powerful detergents. Autoclave can sterilize solids, liquids, hollows, and instruments of various shapes and sizes. They are mostly used in hospitals for sterilization of surgical dressing and surgical instruments, containers and closures. They are also used for the sterilization of a majority of injections which can withstand the pressure of 15 lbs. /sq. inch for 30 minutes. Autoclaves are relatively inexpensive, very easy to maintain, easier to transport and are very reliable. Autoclaves use steam to disinfect spores at temperature more than 100 degree and are more robust.
Hence autoclave is most widely used method to sterilize equipment in small and medium hospitals, which are looking for a sterilizer that is cheaper, easier to handle, effective for basic sterilization needs.
Summary of different types of Sterilization methods
All types of sterilization methods have their advantages and disadvantages, but all are equal in their importance to the success of a medical facility since they are suitable for sterilization of different types of items.
