How to choose an autoclave?

How to choose an autoclave?

The autoclave is a central piece of equipment in any dental practice. It ensures the sterilization of reusable medical devices, thereby preventing the risk of pathogen transmission. Its selection should never be left to chance—it must comply with regulatory requirements, meet specific clinical needs, and align with a rigorous quality assurance process.

1. Autoclave classification: which type should you choose?

Autoclaves are classified according to the EN 13060 standard into three categories:

Class N (Non-wrapped): suitable for solid, non-wrapped instruments. Not recommended for modern dental practices due to their limited scope.

Class S (Specific): for uses defined by the manufacturer. Their effectiveness depends on the configuration of the instruments.

Class B (Best): the most efficient. They provide sterilization for all types of devices, including hollow instruments (type A and B), as well as wrapped and porous loads. This is the recommended class for implant surgery.

Class B is the only one that ensures sterilization in accordance with the requirements of invasive practices, especially in implantology.

2. Sterilization cycle: temperature, duration, drying

A high-performance autoclave should offer cycles adapted to different types of loads:

Standard temperatures: 121 °C or 134 °C

Quick cycle: for unwrapped instruments intended for immediate use

Prion cycle: essential in protocols for preventing transmissible spongiform encephalopathies

Integrated drying: crucial to prevent post-sterilization recontamination

Fractionated vacuum control is also key to ensure steam penetration into hollow and wrapped loads.

3. Traceability and regulatory compliance

According to HAS and ADF recommendations, the autoclave must allow for complete traceability of the sterilization process:

Cycle printout or PDF export

Automatic data archiving

Load identification (via barcodes or labeling)

These elements are essential for the evaluation of professional practices and to meet public health agency requirements during inspections.

4. Ergonomics, capacity, and maintenance

Chamber capacity: expressed in liters (typically from 8 to 24 L), it should match the practice’s daily sterilization volume.

User interface: touch screen, intuitive menus, pre-programmed cycles.

Ease of maintenance: draining system, filter access, simplified cleaning procedures.

Preventive maintenance: verify after-sales service availability and required servicing frequency (mandatory at least once a year).

5. Standards and certifications

A medical-grade autoclave must carry the CE marking as a Class IIb medical device and comply with the following standards:

EN 13060: for small steam sterilizers

EN ISO 17665: for moist heat sterilization requirements

NF EN ISO 15883: for washer-disinfectors

Also check for compliance with local regulations (e.g., ANSM, DGS in France).

Sur le sujet

copy of CREPE PAPER-BLUE 60G/M2

copy of CREPE PAPER-BLUE 60G/M2

copy of CREPE PAPER-BLUE 60G/M2

CREPE PAPER-BLUE 60G/M2

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