Autoclave troubleshooting tips to help you save money

An autoclave is a piece of machinery. It is not a complicated piece of machinery. But it is a team that is made up of several different parts. As such, there is always the possibility that something will go wrong or some part will break.

Sending your autoclave in for repair can be quite expensive. Not only will you have to pay for the repair, but you’ll also have to pay for shipping and handling both ways. Not to mention the fact that you will also have to pay to rent a replacement for 4-6 weeks. Before you pack it up and send it in for repair, check out these autoclave troubleshooting tips to see if you can save yourself a little money.

staining: You should only use distilled water in your autoclave. Tap water contains minerals and additives that can literally stick to your instruments with the hot steam. Clean the steam line filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions and clean the interior of the autoclave after each use to prevent buildup. You should also separate the different metals with a pan liner and thoroughly clean all instruments before loading them into the autoclave.

temperature problems: If the temperature does not rise, or rises and then falls during the cycle, the drain line or strainer may be clogged. The drain line allows air to escape as pressure builds inside the chamber. If the air cannot escape, cooler air pockets form within the steam, preventing it from reaching full temperature.

pressure problems: If the pressure does not increase or fluctuates, again check the drain line or filter. If they are clogged they will prevent the release of air from the chamber and that will cause the pressure to drop or fluctuate.

Damping equipment: Excessive moisture in your equipment at the end of the cycle usually means all you need to do is increase the drying time. It’s also important to make sure you don’t overload your autoclave. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for load limits.

Chamber Cracks: You must never use unauthorized chemicals in your autoclave. Use only distilled and deionized water or follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Never use bleach or other harsh chemicals or you may damage the interior.

steam leaks: Steam escaping around the door during the cycle indicates a worn gasket that you can easily replace yourself.

Chamber water: Water in the chamber at the end of the cycle usually indicates a blocked or clogged drain. If cleaning the drain doesn’t fix the problem, you may need a new valve for the drain line. This is something that is easily handled right there in your office and you can do it yourself with just a few simple steps.

Generally, when something goes wrong with an autoclave, it’s a pretty easy fix. But most people think that because this is a machine that is sophisticated enough to sterilize medical equipment, then they probably shouldn’t attempt a DIY repair. However, as you can see, many of the problems that arise have something to do with proper drainage or proper use and cleaning. Before you send your autoclave in for an expensive repair, don’t be afraid to see if it’s something you can handle yourself.