Which Autoclave is Right for Your Tattoo/Piercing Practice?
At Sterilizer Autoclave Solutions, we make it our mission to ensure you’re well informed on a variety of topics. We do our best to cover all things autoclave, infection control, medical, dental, optometry, piercing and tattoo industries. The main problem that we find most of our customers encounter is information on the things we cover isn’t easily accessible, when in reality, it should be.
So we do what we can to provide as much transparency on the industry as we can. And one thing we constantly notice is the lack of coverage when it comes to piercing and tattoo sterilization. Sure, you can easily infer what a piercing shop or tattoo parlor has in store just by the name alone. But what about what goes on behind the scenes? The processes that take place to ensure that when you get a tattoo or piercing, you have the assurance that any tool used on you won’t leave you with any negative side effects?
We push sterilization and patient safety as much as we can as it is paramount to any practice, medical or otherwise. Tips for choosing the right autoclave shouldn’t just be delegated to medical practices. Tattoo and piercing facilities have standards to meet as well. So in this article, we’d like to help bridge the information gap to our friends in the tattoo and piercing industry. We’ll go over a list of factors to cover when looking into the perfect autoclave to fit your tattoo and piercing facilities.
What Should I Look For?
When it comes to buying an autoclave for any practice, medical or otherwise, there are always factors to look for specific to your practice. The autoclave you choose all depends on what tasks and standards you need it to be able to complete. Generally, the things to look for are very similar for everyone in the market for an autoclave. But the specifics that each autoclave will have fully depends on what your specific practice needs. Data can be taken and used as a reference point from your practice. Like how much gets sterilized a day/week/month, what kind of things you sterilize, etc. So to get you started, let’s show you some of the general things to look for when buying an autoclave for your tattoo or piercing practice.
Versatility
First, look for the versatility of an autoclave. You’ll want to look for autoclaves that can handle different load types, including solid, wrapped, and hollow instruments. This versatility ensures that the autoclave can adapt to the diverse needs of your practice for now and into the future.
Economics
Consider autoclaves that are cost-effective for smart investments. It is important to find a sterilizer that meets your practice’s needs while also being economical. This is where the data you can take from your practice comes in handy. Autoclaves aren’t like smartphones, there are autoclave models that may not be as recent, but can still go toe to toe with the latest and greatest for a fraction of the cost. And when you’re spending this kind of money for your practice, you want to ensure you get the best bang for your buck.
Quality of Sterilization
Quality is one of the most important factors of an autoclave. These are machines advertised to be able to provide consistent results that you can’t find anywhere else. Ensure that the autoclave you choose provides consistent and reliable sterilization outcomes, meeting the high standards required for piercing and tattoo practices.
Size
As nice and sleek as the big, refrigerator-sized sterilizers can be, all that room might not even be necessary for you. Depending on the size of your practice and the volume of sterilization needed, choose an autoclave that fits the capacity requirements of your business to ensure efficient sterilization processes.
Ease of Use
Ease of use is also one of the things that most if not all autoclaves strive to have. They’re meant to be efficient and easy to use to ensure you can just press a button and start the cycle. That way, you’re not wasting time trying to set everything up and you can have all hands on deck. Opt for autoclaves that are user-friendly and easy to operate. Various features like the user interface, customization options and archiving capabilities. This can help streamline the sterilization process and improve overall workflow in your practice.
Compliance
There are various standards put in place by the many health organizations we have today. They help set the bar for what’s classified as sterile when it comes to autoclaves and proper sterilization. Ensure that the autoclave complies with industry standards and regulations for sterilization. If your autoclave meets the proper standards, you provide a hygienic environment for both employees and customers alike. Well that, and following standards helps keep your business to stay open.
Cycle Types
Autoclaves vary in many ways, and one of those ways is cycle types. There are different types of cycles that cater to a different kind of sterilization experience. They’re usually divided into classes, i.e. Class B and Class S. For example, there are autoclaves that use regular steam cycles, and then there are pre/post vacuum autoclaves. So ensure that you research what each cycle is, and decide based on what you’ll be sterilizing.
Popular Choices for Tattoo and Piercing Practices
Making the choice on the right autoclave for your practice can seem daunting. WIth things to look out for and looking over each and every one to find the right pick. But here at SAS, we make it our mission to help take the guesswork out of the equation. And since we’ve got our finger on the pulse of the industry, we can help set you on the right path. When it comes to tattoo and piercing, there are a couple autoclaves that stick out as the most popular choices. So let’s start there.. with the SciCan Statim 2000 and Enbio S steam sterilizers.
The Statim 2000
When it comes down to a general choice of product, sometimes people think “the more expensive, the better.” With autoclaves, that is most
certainly not the case, especially when it comes to the Statim 2000 Classic steam sterilizer. This autoclave has proven time and time again that you just can’t beat the classics.
The Statim 2000 cassette autoclave is fully automatic. Simply select one of the three sterilization programs and with a single touch of the keypad, begin the cycle. An advanced microprocessor controls all functions and maintains optimal sterilization conditions, from start to finish. And the Statim 2000 is a reliable cassette sterilizer that’s compact enough to fit in procedure areas and fast enough to sterilize a variety of instruments. Along with that, this classic boasts a wealth of benefits to ensure your practice is well upkept;
- Ultra-fast 6 minute unwrapped cycle
- 14 minute wrapped cycle
- Exceptional instrument turnover
- 10 minute Dri-Tecc Drying Technology
- Aseptic transfer of instrument directly to the point-of-use
- Reduced instrument investment
- Prolongs instrument life
If you’d like to purchase the Statim 2000 Classic for yourself, you can find it here on our website.
The Enbio S
With a modern take on the compact autoclave, Enbio came into the industry swinging with their Enbio S. A great balance between price and
power that can offer the greatest hits without breaking your budget. The Enbio S is one of the trademark machines of Enbio. When compared to usual autoclaves, they come in all shapes and sizes. Usually size is an indicator that they can hold more tools, but it may take slightly more time than their smaller counterparts. This does offer variety to fit the needs of the buyer which is a good thing. But sometimes not everyone wants that trade off of size or speed. Thankfully, the Enbio S sports both a sleek, non-intrusive modern shell and speed to rival the greats. Here are some of the things that make the Enbio S so incredible:
- The Enbio S operates at the highest class of sterilization, Class B.
- Meets all medical requirements and standards.
- A compact package (22 x 9.8 x 6.3 in / 56 x 25 x 16 cm).
- Chamber volume of 2.7L holds up to 8 packages with a max recommended weight of 1.1 lbs.
- It is so quiet you can relax by it. At only 32dB it produces less noise than common coffee machines.
- Enbio S is the fastest sterilizer on the market. It is also gloriously intuitive and easy to use.
- The highest quality for the lowest price. Operating costs that are revolutionary low.
If you’d like to purchase the Enbio S steam sterilizer, you can find it here on our website.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right autoclave for your tattoo or piercing practice is a critical decision that directly impacts the safety and well-being of your clients. By carefully considering factors such as versatility, economics, sterilization quality, size, ease of use, compliance with industry standards, and the appropriate cycle types, you can select an autoclave that meets the unique needs of your practice. Investing in a high-quality and reliable autoclave not only ensures the safety of your clients but also enhances the professionalism and reputation of your business.
Prioritizing patient safety and adhering to strict sterilization protocols, just like the medical or dental industries, are paramount in the tattoo and piercing industry as well. By selecting an autoclave that meets these crucial requirements, you can provide a safe and hygienic environment for your clients, build trust within your community, and contribute to the overall professionalism of the industry. And here at SAS, we can help you find the right autoclave for your tattoo or piercing practice. So if you have any questions about autoclaves or anything else, please give us a call at 704-966-1650 Option 3 for our Free Tech Support line. You can also find our list of available programs 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.
The Enbio S steam sterilizer can be purchased here on our website.
You can find the Statim 2000 Classic here on our website.