In every vet clinic, patient safety starts before the first patient arrives. Clean tools, sterile workspaces and reliable hygiene routines aren’t just “best practice” — they’re non-negotiable. From routine check-ups to surgeries, one thing remains constant: the need to keep infection out.

That’s where autoclaves come in. These machines aren’t flashy, but they’re the backbone of any practice that takes animal health seriously. Whether you’re treating dogs, cats or cattle, sterilised equipment keeps everything running safely.

Too often, clinics focus on diagnostics or fancy machines, forgetting the basics. But in vet care, nothing is more basic — or more important — than making sure tools don’t carry diseases from one patient to the next.

The Purpose Behind Sterilisation in Animal Clinics

Infection spreads fast in veterinary settings. Animals can carry bacteria, viruses or fungi without showing signs. If your surgical scissors, dental tools or syringes aren’t properly cleaned, you could transfer infections across patients in one day.

Sterilisation isn’t the same as cleaning. A quick rinse or disinfectant wipe won’t kill spores or heat-resistant organisms. An autoclave uses steam and pressure to wipe out all microbial life. It’s the only method accepted for full sterilisation in clinical settings.

Vet tools are often exposed to blood, tissue and other fluids. That makes sterilisation more than good hygiene — it’s essential protection for both animals and staff.

For a closer look at evolving techniques, veterinary sterilisation techniques for animal health outlines how the industry continues to raise the bar.

How Autoclaves Work (And Why They’re So Effective)

Autoclaves use high-pressure steam at temperatures between 121°C and 134°C. That level of heat, sustained under pressure, kills microorganisms fast — even the ones most disinfectants can’t reach.

Here’s what makes them so reliable:

• Penetration: Steam can reach inside small joints, hinges or tube-like instruments
• Consistency: Every part of the tool gets exposed evenly
• Cycle control: Modern autoclaves monitor time, temperature and pressure in real-time
  
  

There are different types of autoclaves for different clinic needs. Some are compact, made for smaller practices. Others are larger units built for high-volume sterilisation. The goal stays the same — kill all pathogens without damaging the tools.

Tools that commonly go through autoclaving include:

• Surgical instruments
• Dental handpieces
• Orthopaedic kits
• Endotracheal tubes and suction tips
• Scalpels, scissors and forceps

Failure to sterilise any of these properly can lead to post-surgical infections, wound complications or even antibiotic-resistant pathogens.

For more on why this process matters, check out the importance of autoclave sterilisation in veterinary clinics to understand the consequences of falling short.

Common Mistakes Clinics Make with Sterilisation

Many clinics mean well but still fall into bad habits. Here are some common mistakes:

• Using chemical disinfection instead of full sterilisation
• Overloading autoclaves so steam can’t circulate
• Skipping regular maintenance
• Not validating each cycle with indicators
• Reusing disposable items “just once more”

One vet in regional NSW had to treat multiple infections linked to minor surgeries. An audit showed the autoclave was overloaded, and wrapped tools weren’t being rotated properly. The team had no logbooks for daily checks.

The fix? Training, cycle testing and a strict “no shortcut” rule. Within weeks, the infection rate dropped and clients regained confidence.

Mistakes don’t always show up immediately. But they build up — and when animals get sick from something that was avoidable, the damage to trust is hard to repair.

The Cost of Poor Sterilisation: Real-World Impact

When sterilisation fails, the results can be serious. Infections after surgery lead to longer healing times, added medication and sometimes death. In farm animals, it might mean losing a valuable breeder. In household pets, it could lead to owner distress, bad reviews or worse — legal complaints.

A practice in outer Melbourne had a case where three cats developed abscesses after routine desexing. Investigation showed sterilised packs were stored near damp surfaces and were re-used if they “looked clean.” That’s not how sterilisation works — and it cost the clinic three clients and an insurance headache.

Sterilisation done right avoids:

• Surgical site infections (SSIs)
• Cross-contamination in multi-animal rooms
• Delays in healing
• Client dissatisfaction or legal exposure

Cutting corners isn’t cheaper. It just shifts the cost somewhere else — often in reputation or rework.

Setting Up an Autoclave Workflow That Works

A reliable sterilisation workflow isn’t just about owning an autoclave — it’s about building a daily habit. That includes prep, handling, loading, unloading and storing.

A good routine looks like this:

1. Pre-clean: Rinse and scrub instruments straight after use
2. Dry: Wet items must dry before going into the autoclave
3. Pack: Use sterilisation pouches or wraps with indicator strips
4. Load: Don’t stack tightly — steam needs space to move
5. Run and record: Monitor every cycle with date, load ID and result
6. Store: Keep sterilised packs in a dry, sealed cabinet
7. Maintain: Clean autoclave filters, inspect gaskets and run validation tests

Assign clear responsibilities. Everyone on staff should know who handles each step. Use checklists or printed logs to avoid memory slips — especially during busy days.

One inner-city clinic went from weekly cycle errors to zero over two months simply by creating a “sterilisation station” with wall instructions and laminated forms.

When routines are easy to follow, people stick to them.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance in Australia

In Australia, vet clinics fall under strict regulation when it comes to hygiene. That includes how you handle instruments, how long you keep sterilisation records and how often your autoclave gets serviced.

Key requirements:

• Use TGA-approved sterilisation equipment
• Validate every autoclave cycle with physical, chemical and biological indicators
• Keep records for at least 7 years
• Service autoclaves regularly through qualified technicians
• Train all staff on infection control protocols

Failure to meet these can lead to failed audits, fines or in some cases, suspension. More importantly, it’s a risk to animals and your clinic’s reputation.

Check your state’s guidelines. Some may require spore testing weekly or monthly validation reports submitted to regulatory bodies.

Being compliant isn’t just about ticking boxes — it shows clients and staff that you’re serious about their health and safety.

The Role of Autoclaves in Mixed-Animal or Mobile Clinics

Not every clinic stays in one place. Mobile vets, equine specialists and rural practices often work from trucks or shared spaces. That doesn’t make sterilisation less important — it just means you need adaptable tools.

Portable autoclaves, battery-operated sterilisation units and modular set-ups are all on the rise. These tools allow mobile vets to run full sterilisation cycles between farm visits or surgeries in the field.

Mixed-animal clinics often have high tool turnover. Surgical gear used on sheep can’t be reused on cats without proper processing. Cross-species contamination is a real risk.

Make sure you:

• Have a compact or bench-top autoclave if space is tight
• Carry sealed packs for in-field use
• Store sterilised tools away from animals or splash zones
• Use strong labelling systems to avoid cross-use

A mobile vet on the Sunshine Coast runs a solar-powered sterilisation bay in her truck. It includes a compact autoclave, drying rack and lockable cabinet. Her clients — mostly large animal farmers — trust her not just for treatment but for safety.

What to Look For When Buying a Veterinary Autoclave

Buying an autoclave isn’t about grabbing the cheapest option. The wrong machine can cause cycle errors, damage tools or fail under high loads.

Look for:

• Size that suits your daily load
• Pre-programmed veterinary cycles
• Data logging features
• Fast cycle times with proper drying
• Support and service access in your area

Also consider:

• Warranty length
• Ease of use for all staff
• Whether it fits your benchtop or mobile unit
• Water and power requirements

A small regional clinic tried importing a cheaper autoclave. It didn’t meet local pressure regulations and couldn’t be serviced. They had to replace it within six months.

Invest once — in a machine that does the job right, day in, day out.

FAQs: Autoclaves in Veterinary Clinics

1. How often should a vet clinic use its autoclave?
Every day you perform procedures with reusable tools, you should run at least one autoclave cycle. Most clinics run multiple loads daily — especially after surgeries, dental work or wound care. Don’t wait until the tray is full. Overloading leads to poor sterilisation. Instead, work in small, manageable batches. Always run a cycle even if you’ve only got a few instruments. Safety can’t be skipped. Also include spore testing once per week and regular cleaning cycles as part of daily maintenance.

2. What’s the difference between a medical autoclave and a veterinary one?
Functionally, both work the same. But veterinary autoclaves often have features tailored for mixed materials or complex surgical kits. They might include longer drying cycles for thicker packs, specific settings for veterinary plastics or temperature ranges designed for delicate instruments. Size also matters. Vet clinics may need compact machines for benchtops or rugged models for mobile use. Always pick an autoclave with Australian TGA approval and a proven record in clinical environments.

3. Can I use disinfectant instead of an autoclave?
No. Disinfectants reduce bacteria but don’t eliminate spores or tough viruses. For any tool that contacts blood, tissue or mucous membranes, sterilisation by autoclave is the only approved method. Disinfectants are great for cleaning surfaces, thermometers or non-critical gear — not surgical instruments. Relying on wipes or sprays for critical tools increases infection risk and doesn’t meet regulatory standards. Think of disinfectants as your first step. Sterilisation is the final, essential one.

4. What should I do if my autoclave cycle fails?
First, don’t use any instruments from that load. Set them aside clearly marked as “Not Sterile.” Check your indicators — chemical strips, spore tests and the machine’s digital log. Next, inspect the autoclave for common issues — gasket seals, water supply or overload. Rerun a test cycle with a biological indicator to confirm performance. If the problem continues, contact a technician. Never guess or assume. Any uncertainty should be treated as a potential risk to patient health.

5. How long do autoclaves last in a vet clinic?
With regular maintenance, a good autoclave should last 8 to 12 years. The key is proper use, daily cleaning and servicing on schedule. Look out for early signs of trouble — extended cycle times, unexplained wet packs or errors during pressure build-up. Replacing parts like gaskets and filters can extend the lifespan. But if cycle errors become frequent or logs show inconsistent results, it may be time to upgrade. The cost of a new autoclave is small compared to the risk of failed sterilisation.

Sterilise Like It Matters — Because It Does

Veterinary care has come a long way, but one thing hasn’t changed — animals deserve clean, safe treatment just like humans do. Whether you’re in a small-town clinic or driving from paddock to paddock, a reliable autoclave is your first line of defence.

Don’t treat sterilisation as background noise. Make it part of your core promise to every animal and every owner who walks through your doors.

For high-performance, dependable machines designed for vet care, visit MES Australia’s full range of trusted autoclaves. When sterilisation is solid, everything else works better.

For all your autoclave requirements, please call us today on 1300 342 013 or leave an enquiry.