In 2019, COVID-19 appeared and quickly spread around the world. Governments instituted interventions such as quarantines, social distancing, and lockdowns to isolate cases and prevent the spread of infection.
Years later, professionals in healthcare facilities and laboratories continue to use thorough sterilizing methods to contain the virus and protect workers, patients, and the public. Learn more about the importance of autoclave sterilizers during COVID-19.
1. Autoclaves Kill Viruses
Autoclaves use pressurized steam at high temperatures to kill disease-causing bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores. Many lab and medical tools, including pipettes, glassware, surgical instruments, and hospital linens, can be sterilized in an autoclave. Healthcare and laboratory professionals use autoclaves to decontaminate or sterilize instruments and labware to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
2. Autoclaves Sterilize Critical Medical Devices
Autoclaves play an important role in limiting the spread of COVID-19 by sterilizing critical devices. The healthcare field uses the Spaulding Classification system to determine the level of disinfection or sterilization a piece of medical equipment or device must pass. The system has three categories: non-critical, semi-critical, and critical.
Non-critical items require the lowest level of disinfection, whereas critical items require sterilization between uses as well as when an item becomes contaminated. Autoclaves sterilize many semi-critical and critical equipment and devices. This makes it safer for patients to receive clinical care and reduces the chance of COVID-19 transmission.
3. Autoclaves Help Prevent the Spread of COVID-19
Studying COVID-19 has been an important part of creating a vaccine that decreases the spread of the virus and its mortality rate. In laboratories researching the virus, autoclaves combined with other safety standards have allowed scientists to understand the virus in a safe environment. Thanks to thorough sterilization techniques, researchers can develop effective medications and vaccines to fight against COVID-19.
Sterilize With All States M.E.D.
Ensure the sanitation of your medical facility or lab with autoclave supplies from All States M.E.D. Keep your patients and personnel safe with high-quality autoclaves. Shop our selection today.