Equipment / Autoclaves
Autoclaves & Decon
Your local decontamination unit (LDU) is the most heavily scrutinised room during a CQC inspection. The choice between Type N and Type B autoclaves affects your entire instrument storage protocol.
Type B vs Type N
HTM 01-05 allows both, but they dictate how you store instruments.
- Type B (Vacuum): Draws a vacuum before sterilisation, penetrating hollow instruments (like handpieces) and pouches. Instruments can be pouched before sterilisation and stored for up to 1 year.
- Type N (Non-Vacuum): Uses steam displacement. Cannot sterilise pouched instruments or hollow loads effectively. Instruments must be dried, pouched after sterilisation, and only stored for 1 year, OR stored unpouched in clinical areas for just 1 day.
Major Manufacturers (2026)
| Brand | Model | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| W&H | Lisa / Lina (Type B) | Exceptional reliability, very fast cycle times (Eco B cycle). High upfront cost. |
| Melag | Vacuklav | German engineering, incredibly robust. Excellent data logging capabilities. |
| Eschmann | Little Sister (Type N/B) | The UK standard for decades. Ubiquitous engineer support network. |
| Enbio | Enbio S / PRO | Ultra-fast (7-minute unpouched cycle). Class B. Great for high-turnover implantology. |
Washer Disinfectors
Manual scrubbing is still permitted under HTM 01-05 'Essential Quality Requirements'. However, moving to 'Best Practice' requires an automated Washer Disinfector (WD). A WD drastically reduces the risk of sharps injuries during the cleaning phase.
Next Steps
- Ensure Compliance: Print your Daily Sterilisation Logs.
- Get Quotes: Submit a Supplier RFQ for autoclaves or washer disinfectors to three vetted suppliers.