The veterinary field is ever-evolving, and new technologies are finding their way into this field.
While autoclaves are not new to this field, they continue serving a critical part, especially in the field of research where sample collection is the norm.
Sterilisation is also essential for veterinary officers as it ensures overall animal safety. However, exactly how is this achieved?
Autoclaves help prevent hospital-based acquired infections in animals.
Without these procedures, animals can face the risk of unnecessary health complications and even death in severe cases.
What Is Sterilisation?
Sterilisation refers to the process in which certain microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, spores, and eukaryotic organisms are deactivated or killed.
In the veterinary field, surgical instruments and equipment should be kept free from contamination before any surgical or treatment process.
What Is an Autoclave?
An autoclave refers to a pressurised device used for sterilising medical equipment and therefore finds its application in many medical fields.
Autoclaves are effective at killing bacteria, spores, fungi, viruses, and any other agents that may spread diseases through the equipment and fluids used in treatment.
How Do Autoclaves Work?
Autoclaves make use of supersaturated pressurised steam for the sterilisation of equipment.
Most of them are made of stainless steel to ensure that they can withstand high temperatures and pressure.
Through the heated steam and pressure, autoclaves are able to kill all kinds of harmful microorganisms.
By placing veterinary equipment in an autoclave and applying extreme temperature along with a blast of pressure, all forms of bacteria on the equipment placed inside is killed and cleared.
The duration of this sterilisation process depends on the inside of the autoclaves chamber.
Here’s why sterilisation and use of autoclaves are vital in the veterinary industry:
- Safety of equipment
- Equipment and item re-use
- Extension of equipment’s lifespan
- Protecting the reputation of your veterinary clinic
Safety of Equipment
The safety of equipment, especially surgical items such as blades and surgical clamps, is a top priority in veterinary clinics.
Every veterinarian is expected to use sterilised equipment to reduce the risk of infection being transmitted between animals.
Besides doing so for the safety of animals, it should be done to keep up with the laws and guidelines regarding the use of sterile veterinary equipment.
Veterinarians should, therefore, ensure that they use the right sterilisation equipment, such as autoclaves, in keeping their equipment free from harmful microorganisms.
Using safe equipment when attending to animals helps protect them from dangerous infections.
This may especially apply in the case when veterinarians carry out surgical operating on animals.
Using sterilised equipment may also help keep your pet safe from the spread of diseases which may be transmitted, especially through bacteria.
Autoclaves should, therefore, be used between tasks to prevent the spread of diseases such as borreliosis and colibacillosis among dogs.
While it may sound dramatic, the use of contaminated equipment when treating animals is a mortal danger.
Equipment and Item Re-Use
Some of the equipment used by veterinarians can be used for various surgical operations.
As such, having proper sterilisation equipment such as autoclaves eliminates the need for buying new, and then disposing of items, after every treatment session.
Doing a cost-benefit analysis helps a veterinarian appreciate the need to invest in sterilisation equipment such as autoclaves as they are financially viable in the long run.
Extension of Equipment’s Lifespan
This is an added benefit of using autoclaves in the sterilisation of surgical items and other equipment in veterinary labs.
Instruments such as surgical scissors, forceps, spay, and neuter sets are commonly used in veterinary labs.
Over time, such equipment may get worn down by harsh chemicals, organic fluids, cleaners, and solvents.
Autoclave steam sterilisers, therefore, ensure that such tools are satisfactorily sterilised and disinfected for the best pet-patient outcomes.
Steam sterilisers are especially essential as they eliminate the need for repetitive cleaning of equipment using solvents, which may fasten their wear-out.
Protecting Your Veterinary Clinic’s Reputation
Pet owners want the best for their pets. As such, they want them to receive medical care from veterinary clinics that meet the sanitary standards.
Some of these regulations require the use of sterilised equipment for the various activities carried out on animals.
Using autoclaves ensures that equipment and items are free from harmful microorganisms.
In turn, this guarantees the safety of animals and helps a veterinarian win the trust of pet owners.
This is why autoclaves are the best device for helping to achieve sterilisation through the application of extreme temperatures and pressure.
Using autoclaves and sterilised equipment, therefore, helps keep animals safe from infections, diseases, and possibly even death while on the treatment table.
If you are searching for the best autoclave supplier in Australia, then look no further than Medical Equipment Services Australia.
We were originally established in 1952 in order to provide electro-medical products to healthcare professionals across the country.
The company (Medical Equipment Services) was acquired by Medical Equipment Australia in 2009. Since then, we have also expanded into the dental industry.
For all your medical and dental supply requirements, please call us today on 1300 342 013 or contact us through our website.
