Expert Calibration Service.
Have a peace of mind knowing that your Autoclaves are safe, reliable, and up to the task. Ensuring that your autoclave machines are calibrated makes you confident on doing your business or research. Autoclave Australia will help you achieve the“peace of mind” by offering calibration service for your autoclaves with affordability and convenience in mind.
Optimize your Autoclave Performance with Expert Autoclave Calibration Services
Autoclave Australia understands the critical role that properly calibrated autoclaves play in maintaining the integrity of your processes and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Our team of expert technicians combines years of experience with state-of-the-art equipment to deliver accurate and efficient calibration services tailored to your specific needs. With our meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence, you can trust us to optimize the performance of your autoclaves, giving you the peace of mind and confidence in the quality of your results. Discover the difference precision calibration can make with Autoclave Australia.
AUTOCLAVES WE CALIBRATE
We cater to all kinds and all brands of autoclaves nationwide and we also offer on-site calibration for your convenience. The autoclave types that we calibrate includes but are not limited to:
Calibration Factors and Methods
Calibration can vary by a lot of factors from the type of autoclaves, the size of an autoclave to the number of points being measured. At Autoclave Australia, our expert technicians may perform different calibration methods depending on a specific scenario.
Single Point Calibration
Valid only for the specific temperature point, such as 121°C/250°F. While suitable for consistent sterilization at that temperature, it lacks insight into variations occurring at other temperatures during process excursions.
Two Point Calibration
Certain calibration protocols advise taking measurements at two points to determine slope (gain) and y-intercept (zero offset). While efficient, this method assumes linearity and may overlook non-linearity in probe readings. Additionally, errors in measurements may not be readily apparent.
Multi-point Calibration
Utilizing more than two points, this method detects nonlinear behavior in the probe, indicating potential replacement needs. By averaging out measurement errors across multiple points, it enhances accuracy. Typically, three or more measurements are taken, followed by linear regression to determine slope and y-intercept.
Calibration Guidelines
To ensure thorough calibration, points should span beyond the working range of sterilization cycles. For instance, a lab operating at 121°C may calibrate at 116°C, 121°C, and 126°C. Calibration points should extend 5°C below the lowest and above the highest temperature used in cycles. A general guideline suggests calibrating against at least one more point than the number of temperature degrees in °C used in cycles. For example, if cycles span 115°C, 121°C, and 134°C, calibration should include measurements at 110°C, 120°C, 130°C, and 140°C.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Autoclave Calibration?
Autoclave calibration verifies the precision of an autoclave's instruments, ensuring the chamber attains the necessary temperature and duration. This involves comparing the autoclave's sensor readings to those of a certified reference device known as a 'standard', traceable to a national reference maintained by the government.
Distinction should be made between calibration and qualification: Calibration focuses on instrument accuracy, while qualification confirms the autoclave's ability to consistently achieve desired sterilization parameters such as temperature, pressure, and duration.
What is Autoclave Calibration Procedure?
Autoclave calibration procedure may vary depending on different factors and the organization that performs the calibration procedure. Here is a sample of a calibration procedure that might be performed on your autoclave machines:
- Document the initial calibration data (zero and gain) for each sensor.
- With caution, disconnect the sensors from the autoclave while leaving their cables connected to the control system.
- Set zero to 0 and gain to 1.
- For traceable calibration dry block or oil bath, place the sensor accordingly. (note: the technicians might use other methods entirely depending on the calibration needs).
- Position a traceable temperature probe centrally in the dry block or oil bath, with sensors nearby.
- Record standard and transducer data at selected temperatures, allowing for stabilization.
- Perform linear regression using software like Microsoft Excel
- Confirm correlation (ideally ≥0.999999).
- Input zero and gain values into the sterilizer controller.
- Validate calibration using at least one process temperature, or more, if necessary, to ascertain sensor accuracy.
- Reinstall sensors in the autoclave."
At CISCAL Autoclave Australia, our technicians are certified and have years of experience so rest assured that your autoclaves are being calibrated properly and accordingly following the standards set by the Australian government. Our technicians follows a rigorous process that is being maintained and quality checked by our quality team to make sure that the result of the calibration has integrity giving you confidence to continue your business right after the calibration process ends.
What are the Autoclave Calibration Requirements?
Here are some of the requirements for calibrating an autoclave at CISCAL Autoclaves Australia:
- Precision: The calibration standard should exceed the accuracy of the device by at least five times. For instance, if the sterilizer boasts an accuracy of ±0.5°C, the standard should aim for ±0.1°C precision.
- Calibration Points: A practical guideline suggests calibrating against a number of points equal to the temperature range in °C, plus one. For instance, if cycles operate at 115°C, 121°C, and 134°C, calibration measurements should encompass four points (110°C, 120°C, 130°C, and 140°C).
- Calibration Frequency: For safety and quality assurance, autoclave calibration is recommended every 6-12 months. Despite initial manufacturer calibration, autoclaves may experience accuracy degradation over time. Specialized laboratories also offer autoclave calibration services.
What are autoclave settings for glassware?
Autoclaving Glassware undergoes sterilization in an autoclave at 121°C (250°F) for 15-20 minutes, leveraging steam's efficient thermal energy transfer for rapid sterilization within 15 minutes. Additional tips include:
- Employing a slow cooling cycle to minimize the risk of steam or air pockets formation.
- Subjecting new glassware to a 90-minute autoclaving cycle to enhance its strength through partial tempering.
- Opting for borosilicate glassware, comprising silica and boron trioxide, renowned for its superior resistance to high pressures compared to other glass materials.
What are autoclave settings in plastics?
Here are some autoclave settings for plastic:
- Temperature: 121°C (250°F)
- Steam Pressure: 15 psi (pounds per square inch)
- Cycle Length: Minimum 15 minutes.
Additional Tips for Autoclaving Plastic:
- Avoid using a dry cycle.
- Loosen or remove caps to prevent deformation or collapse.
- Ensure free air circulation during venting and cooling.
- Perform a compatibility test to assess plasticware suitability for sterilization.
Autoclaving serves as a common method for sterilizing laboratory plasticware such as beakers, pipettes, and petri dishes. Certain polymers like PP, PPCO, PMP, ETFE, FEP, and PFA can withstand repeated autoclaving. However, materials like polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), nylon, acrylic, low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) should not be autoclaved