MDS Autoclave Service

Why sterilisation is important

One of the most important reasons why the decontamination of equipment is so important is to prevent the buildup of bacteria and various other diseases. When a medical tool is used, bacteria comes in contact with the device. If not sterilised properly, then it is highly likely that bacteria will grow. The sterilisation of equipment ensures that many compromising and debilitating diseases are prevented.

How does it work?

Sterilisation is a process that kills all living microorganisms, including bacterial and spores. Sterilisation can occur in a number of ways: Heat, Steam pressure and chemicals, to name a few.

Autoclaves are a widely used method of steam heated sterilisation. The only water to be used to create steam for autoclaves should be distilled, RO or High quality de-ionised Water at 0ppm (MDS Offer a TDS Meter to measure the Total Dissolved Solids in PPM). In order to achieve sterility, a holding time of at least 15 minutes at 121°C or 3 to 4 minutes at 134°C is required. Autoclave sterilisation will kill all fungi, bacteria, and bacterial spores.

To ensure sterilisation has taken place autoclaves today should have a printer or data logger that records pertinent information, such as date, time, temperature and pressure.