The Importance of the Autoclave Cassette
Sterilizing instruments is one of the most important steps in any surgical procedure. It’s also a vital part of infection control and ensuring that all of your tools are free from harmful bacteria. However, not every autoclave is built the same. When you think of an autoclave the first thing that probably comes to mind is one of the larger cube-shaped machines. They usually operate with a chamber and one of the large locking doors. But there are ones that don’t share that same structure. Cassette autoclaves are on our mind today. And we’d like to tell you the importance of the autoclave cassette.
Cassette autoclaves are the more compact iterations of normal, tall standing autoclaves. And there’s actually quite a few cassette units to choose from on the market. All with their own stats and specs. But what we wanted to focus on today wasn’t the machine as a whole. Rather the piece that helps in giving the cassette autoclave it’s name, the cassette. The cassette is a vital part to these kinds of autoclaves and in this article, we’d like to show you why.
What is a Cassette Autoclave?
An autoclave is a machine that uses steam to sterilize instruments and other items. It’s used in hospitals, medical facilities and different industrial settings. The purpose of using an autoclave is to kill bacteria and other microbes. This is done through a variety of different ways. There are autoclaves that use pressurized steam cycles, gravity displacement, pre/post vacuum cycles, you name it. However cassette autoclaves are just a bit different.
Duraline Systems broke it down nicely by saying: “Cassette autoclave sterilizers are designed for high-performance, fast sterilization. Cassette autoclaves are small enough to put in patient areas such as an exam room and work fast enough to completely sterilize instruments between seeing patients. Although powerful, these small autoclave machines are gentle enough to avoid breaking or damaging expensive and delicate instruments. Unlike traditional, full-sized and large capacity autoclaves, these models don’t require an entire reservoir of water to complete a full cycle. Cassette autoclaves require a specific amount of heated, distilled water for each cycle.”
What is a Cassette?
The autoclave cassette is a removable tray that holds instruments inside an autoclave chamber. 
The autoclave cassette is a removable tray that holds instruments inside an autoclave chamber. Autoclaves use steam, heat and pressure to sterilize materials such as surgical tools and equipment. Understanding the importance of the autoclave cassette is… well, important. It was developed to eliminate the need for placing items directly into the chamber of the sterilizer because some materials cannot withstand high temperatures or pressure required by this type of machine.
The cassette can be removed from the autoclave after the sterilization cycle is complete, allowing you to work with them immediately. Cassettes are used for items that cannot be placed directly in the autoclave. For example, if you need to sterilize your surgical instruments and then remove them from their packaging before use, then this would require an insertion into a cassette during your process of sterilization.
The picture on the right is an example of a cassette. This one is from the Statim G4 5000. However, most removable autoclave cassettes will share a very similar design as this. The steel outer shell that houses the “chamber” of the cassette and that handle that sticks out of the front for easy removal.
Advantages of Removable Cassettes
Removable cassettes are an advantage for several reasons. They can be removed from the autoclave and used to sterilize instruments that are too big for the chamber. Like a surgical drape or gown. They can also be used to sterilize instruments that are too small for the autoclave, like surgical sponges or gloves. Or instruments that require a more gentle touch than a normal size autoclave can provide.
In addition to saving time and energy, removable cassettes offer flexibility in terms of what you can use them for. When you’re done using them as part of your sterilization process–or if they become damaged–you can discard them without having to replace any parts of your machine or purchase new ones!
Final Thoughts
The importance of the autoclave cassette should not be underestimated. It is an essential part of the sterilization process for the machines that utilize it. The unique design allows for many benefits on how your tools are handled. Cassette autoclaves are gentler, allowing certain materials to be sterilized in the cassette than in a normal chamber. And it still offers the same great speeds and cleaning capabilities as a full size. The cassette’s design allows the sterilizer itself to be non-intrusive, and able to be stashed in many more out-of-the-way areas. Or right in arms reach without it being a problem.
Not to mention the standalone aspect of the cassette is a benefit in and of itself. Should something happen to the cassette, the machine itself doesn’t need any fixing. So you can just order a new cassette, put it together and you’re ready to go. And if you have any questions about the autoclave cassette, or anything else, you can contact us using the links below.
As always if you have any questions about this process or anything else please feel free to contact us and take advantage of our “FREE TECH SUPPORT.”
We also offer FREE VIRTUAL TECH SUPPORT to “See and Talk” with a “Real Time Live Technician” for any problems you may be in need of help with.
You can also use our “FREE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM”. Take the guesswork and worrying about what unit is due for maintenance and which maintenance cycle it is time for. We will keep track of all your autoclaves and let you know when it’s time for anything.