Autoclave Maintenance: What to do Daily, Weekly, Monthly and Yearly
Autoclave preventive maintenance is an important part of any laboratory or medical facility. Autoclaves are used to safely sterilize medical and laboratory instruments, making them free from harmful bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants. They are a vital part of any laboratory or medical facility and regular preventive maintenance is essential to ensure they are functioning optimally.
Daily Autoclave Preventive Maintenance
Daily preventive maintenance is essential to keep your autoclave in top working order.
- Start by inspecting the autoclave for any signs of damage or wear.
- Make sure there are no loose or missing parts.
- Check for cracks, corrosion, and dents.
- Make sure all the buttons, knobs, and controls are in the correct positions and are functioning properly.
- Next, check to make sure the autoclave is free from debris and dust, both inside and out.
- Wipe down the exterior with a clean cloth or paper towel and use a vacuum to remove any debris from the interior.
- Finally, check the autoclave’s safety features.
- Make sure the safety valves and sensors are working properly and check the seals and gaskets for any signs of wear or damage.
Weekly Autoclave Preventive Maintenance
Weekly preventive maintenance is a bit more involved than daily maintenance, but it’s still important.
- Start by checking and cleaning the door seals and gaskets using a soft cloth or brush and warm, soapy water.
- Make sure the seals are free from any cracks or tears.
- Next, inspect the interior of the autoclave for any signs of damage or wear.
- Check for broken or missing parts and make sure all of the components are in working order.
- You should also check the autoclave’s temperature and pressure gauges to make sure they are functioning properly.
- Make sure the readings are accurate and the autoclave is producing the correct temperature and pressure for safe sterilization.
- Completely drain the water from the reservoir and replace with new distilled water.
Monthly Autoclave Preventive Maintenance
Monthly preventive maintenance should involve a more thorough inspection of the autoclave.
- Start by checking the autoclave’s safety features, including the safety valves and sensors.
- Make sure they are functioning properly and are free from any cracks or damage.
- Next, check all of the autoclave’s components to make sure they are in working order.
- Make sure the heating elements and fans are functioning properly.
- Check the seals and gaskets for any signs of wear or damage.
- Inspect the interior and exterior of the autoclave for any signs of damage or wear.
- Make sure all of the components are in working order and check for loose or missing parts.
- Perform an additional biological live spore test to ensure proper sterilization is occurring.
- Finally, clean the inside chamber and perform a flush of the lines.
Yearly Autoclave Preventive Maintenance
Yearly preventive maintenance is the most comprehensive maintenance and should include a full inspection of the autoclave.
- Start by performing your regular scheduled monthly maintenance procedure tasks.
- Next, check the temperature and pressure gauges to make sure they are functioning properly.
- Make sure the readings are accurate and the autoclave is producing the correct temperature and pressure for safe sterilization.
- Inspect all of the components to make sure they are in working order.
- Make sure the heating elements and fans are functioning properly.
- Check the seals and gaskets for any signs of wear or damage.
- Finally, clean the door seals and gaskets using a soft cloth or brush and warm, soapy water.
- Make sure the seals are free from any cracks or tears.
A Professional Touch
Additionally, having a professional autoclave repair and maintenance technician maintain your autoclave, at least yearly, will help to ensure proper maintenance and functionality of your autoclave to help maintain safe and sterile processing. In addition to the items above, the technician will preform more comprehensive testing and inspection as well as perform any necessary repairs or calibrations to the machine. Having a preventive maintenance and repair plan ensures your autoclave will continue to function properly and safely, while also minimizing downtime and risks associated with failing autoclaves. Contact Auxo Medical for professional Autoclave Preventive Maintenance Plans to ensure your autoclaves are performing at their peak efficiency.
Regular Maintenance for Optimal Results
Performing regular preventive maintenance on your autoclave is essential to ensure it is functioning optimally. Follow these tips to ensure your autoclave is performing at its best and providing the highest quality of sterilization.
