An steam sterilizer (autoclave) is a device that uses steam to sterilize equipment and other objects. This means that all bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores are destroyed. Autoclaves work by allowing steam to enter and maintaining extremely high pressure for at least 15 minutes. Because damp heat is used, heat-labile products (such as some plastics) cannot be sterilized or they will melt.

Disinfection destroys all the micro-organisms present in a given environment apart from spores: an object that has been disinfected properly may still transmit a pathogenic micro-organism. Sterilization, on the other hand, is the complete elimination of all micro-organisms including spores.

What autoclave you should use is determined by the type of instruments that you sterilise.

If you sterilise Hollow Load Type A & B instruments, you will need an autoclave capable of running a Type B Cycle. These autoclave are usually called Class B sterilizers. Typical users of Class B autoclaves include:

Dentists

Plastic surgeons

Day surgeries

Medical Surgeries

Podiatrist

Tattooist

Body Pierces

Veterinary application

Cosmetic application (Including hair or nail salons etc…)

If you only sterilize unwrapped Non Hollow instruments, you only need an autoclave capable of running Class N Cycles. These autoclaves are usually called Class N Sterilisers.