Autoclave Cleaning

[Joan Perkins]

Would anyone mind sharing their policy or direct me to which AAMI standard there is for how often you clean your Steam Autoclaves?
Thank you, Joan

[Ray Taurasi]

AAMI document ST79 2006 addresses the Routine Care of Sterilizers in section 9 - ST79 9.4 page 77 states that sterilizers should be cleaned daily in accordance with manufacturers instructions.

[chipmoore]

Hello, Ray is correct, check the Mfg User Manual for chamber cleaning instructions and frequency. If you find that the chamber exhibit "dirt" buildup over a short period of time (weeks/months), you might consider installing a steam filter just prior to the sterilizer steam connection. Ask your sterilizer service rep for an estimate. Having clean chamber helps the heat transfer from the jacket. Older chambers were made from an interior of a thin layer of Nickel Clad material over cold rolled steel. Cleaning this surface might proved to be a chore. Newer chamber are made of stainless steel, some polished and are easy to clean. Use the cleaning solutions recommended because the wrong stuff might do harm. Best to let the chamber cool down before cleaning. On a daily basis, it's good to inspect the gasket for nicks or cuts and also check the chamber drain screen for depris. A drain screen with paper waste or such can reduce the functionally of the cycle (positive BI potential). All of the above is probably in your local procedures but mentioning them again can't hurt.
Chip Moore
Getinge
Rochester, NY

[gphillips]

I haven't used this myself, but I have seen a demonstration and it appears to work very well.

It is safe to use on Nickel clad chambers as opposed to using glass bead blasting that may damage the chamber.

http://www.minimaxcleaner.com

[cpdguy]

Their are many vendors who both come out and clean yoru sterilizer and sell you kits after they are done. They have different methods, some grind the chamber wall, some use chemicals, some use bead, but check them out.

Also many compaies just sell kits that you can clean the sterilizer chambers/ walls. Remeber be safe follow directions closely on this.

It is not as simple as it is made to be.

In some cases you might have to "turn off" the sterilizer to cool the chamber/walls before cleaning.

Remember regardless who and what you use.

MAKE SURE YOU FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURES GUIDELINES.THIS IS ALSO IMPORTANT MANY PEOPLE DO NOT USE THE MANUFACTURE FOR THEIR SERVICE IF USING A THIRD PARTY YOU STILL SHOULD CHECK WITH THE MANUFACTURE OF THE STERILIZER. THEY KNOW BEST. They have the experts, they designed the sterilizer, make sure you check with them before you get them cleaned and you clean them yourself.