If you have ever worked in or around a hospital, a veterinary office, dentist office or even a tattoo & body

piercing studio, you have probably used, or at least noticed autoclaves being used for sterilization.
The world around us has thousands and thousands of small bacteria everywhere, many of which are
harmful to us. Fortunately for consumer safety, autoclaves are commonly used to ensure that tools and
equipment are completely sterilized before exposure to a patient. Data loggers are used to verify
sterilization processes and help provide that reassurance.
An autoclave is a pressure chamber that is used for steam sterilization. Equipment is subjected to high pressure
saturated steam at about 250 F for around 15-20 minutes, depending upon the application. When using autoclaves
for steam sterilization it is very important that the temperature is constantly monitored throughout the cycle.
Adequate temperatures and duration are required to ensure that the instruments inside are completely sterile. The
temperature and pressure levels in an autoclave are extremely high to kill microbes effectively. Formulas are used to
determine how long or at what temperature a particular object must be exposed to ensure sterility.
Autoclaves hold extreme pressure due to the steam and gas that is being circulated throughout. The high pressure
also makes these autoclaves self-sealing, hence the words auto and clave meaning automatic locking. However,
these chambers are always mechanically sealed with locking mechanisms for safety reasons.
Once the chamber is sealed all the air is removed from It with a vacuum pump, or by pumping in steam to force air
out. Then steam is pumped through the chamber at a higher pressure than normal atmospheric pressure, reaching an
internal temperature of about 250 F- 284 F. Once the appropriate temperature is reached, the steam pumping
continues for the predetermined duration necessary. In most cases a minimum of 3 minutes and a maximum of 15-20,
is long enough to kill most microorganisms.
A continuous record of the temperature, time and pressure during the whole sterilization process is required to
certify the process was successful. Record keeping is vital to all industries responsible for providing safe and sterile
products and services. Data loggers and data logging software provide a simple and reliable means of verification.
Rugged, stainless steel data loggers are able to withstand the elements inside the autoclave throughout sterilization,
while continually recording all necessary readings. The data logging software provides the analysis tools and
reporting features to prove success and share the information.
The AVS140-1 and AVS140-6 Autoclave Validation Systems, include a combination of the HiTemp140 temperature
data loggers and the PR140 pressure data loggers, along with the MadgeTech 4 Secure Software package. This system
provides the essential components needed for steam sterilization validation.
The HiTemp140 data logger is a rugged, compact logger that can withstand high heat while continuously recording
temperatures, available in a variety of probe lengths and styles to accommodate an array of product types.
MadgeTech loggers provide time stamped data with the added security of data retention in the event of battery loss.
The PR140 pressure data logger comes with a built in NPT port option and is capable of taking readings as often as
once every second. Accessories are also available such as a luer lock adaptor.
The MadgeTech Secure Data Logger software package is an essential compliance toolset offering built in audit
trails, electronic signature management and a comprehensive IQOQPQ workbook to satisfy even the most heavily
regulated users.
MadgeTech has dedicated resources and product development to accommodate sterilization needs for businesses of
all sizes. Contact us today for assistance from one of our technical sales representatives in determining the best
solution for your sterilization needs and budget.
For more information on Pharmaceutical and steam sterilization data loggers click here.

For more information, please contact:

6 Warner Rd.
Warner, NH 03278
(603) 456-2011
info@madgetech.com