subject: Tips for Buying a Steam Sterilizer [print this page] Tips for Buying a Steam Sterilizer Tips for Buying a Steam Sterilizer
Medical Device Depot offers some tips and suggestions for purchasing a new or used steam sterilizer.
1. Facilities should consider the following factors before making a purchase: life-cycle cost, local service support, discount rates, non-price-related benefits offered by the supplier, and standardization with existing equipment in the facility.
2. Steam sterilization should be performed in at least 121C (250F), which is the lowest commonly accepted temperature for procedures.
3. These units should have microprocessor controllers, which provide a more precise control and monitoring of sterilization cycles.
4. To ensure that sterility is achieved, the units on the steam sterilizer should record both time and temperature.
5. The prices of these units can vary wildly depending on the features included with the unit. Shipping factors should also be taken into consideration; the following features significantly contribute to the price: method of air removal, chamber size, doors manual or power, controller options, auxiliary loading equipment, service contracts, trade-in equipment, delivery area, and freight charges.
6. Some of these features affect the cost of autoclaves, including method of air removal, controller options, and service contracts.
7. Suppliers offer service contracts or service on a time-and-materials basis, and so do some third-party organizations. Facilities should carefully consider all the options when considering which unit to purchase.
8. To compare high cost alternatives and/or determine the economic value of a single alternative, facilities can use an LCC analysis. Buyers can use analysis techniques to examine the cost effectiveness of leasing or renting equipment versus purchasing it outright.
