Choosing an autoclave for tattooing and piercing

Choosing an autoclave for tattooing and piercing business is an important task. Ensuring the safety of clients and maintaining the highest hygiene standards is essential in the tattoo and piercing industry. As such, the choice of autoclave is of paramount importance. These are devices used to sterilise instruments, tools, and equipment in a range of industries, including the tattoo and piercing industry. They play a crucial role in preventing infections and complications that can arise from unsterile equipment. But what are the important considerations when choosing an autoclave for tattooing and piercing?

So what are the important considerations when choosing an autoclave for tattooing and piercing?

When it comes to choosing an autoclave for your tattooing or piercing business, there are a number of factors to consider. These include:

• The type of autoclave
• The size of the autoclave
• The sterilisation cycles
• Ease of use
• Compliance with regulations
• Budget considerations
• Warranty and support 

Autoclave Types

There are a number of different types of autoclaves available on the market, each with its own set of features and capabilities. The most common types include gravity displacement autoclaves, pre-vacuum autoclaves, and steam sterilisers.

• Gravity displacement autoclaves- These are cost-effective and straightforward autoclaves that use gravity to remove air from the chamber. While they are suitable for most tattoo and piercing instruments, they may not be the best choice for larger or more complex loads.
• Pre-vacuum autoclaves- These autoclaves are more advanced and efficient. They use a vacuum to remove air, ensuring better sterilisation of hollow instruments and porous materials. This is particularly important in the tattoo and piercing industry, as such tools often have complex shapes and hollow parts.
• Steam sterilisers- Steam sterilisers are highly effective and commonly used in healthcare settings. They are suitable for a wide range of instruments, but their higher cost may not be justified for smaller tattoo and piercing studios.

Autoclave size

The size of the autoclave should match the workload of your studio. Smaller studios may find tabletop autoclaves sufficient, while larger establishments may require larger, floor-standing units. It’s crucial to consider the volume and size of instruments that need sterilisation to ensure the autoclave can accommodate them efficiently.

Sterilisation cycles

Different autoclaves offer various sterilisation cycles, and you will need to choose an autoclave that offers cycles tailored to your specific needs. For example, wrapped cycles are suitable for instruments that will be stored for some time, while unwrapped cycles are designed for immediate use.

Ease of use

The autoclave you choose should be user-friendly, with straightforward controls and clear display panels. This is because ease of use is essential in a fast-paced environment like a tattoo or piercing studio. Additionally, you will need to consider the autoclave’s maintenance requirements, as routine maintenance is necessary for reliable operation.

Compliance with regulations

Tattoo and piercing professionals must adhere to strict regulations regarding instrument sterilisation. The chosen autoclave should meet or exceed these regulations. Autoclaves used for tattooing and piercing should conform to standards set by organisations like the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the British Tattoo and Piercing Industry Union (BTPU).

Budget Considerations

Autoclaves are available in a wide range of prices, and it’s essential to choose one that fits your budget while still meeting your sterilisation needs.

Warranty and support

Finally, it’s important to choose an autoclave from a reputable manufacturer or supplier that offers a warranty and reliable customer support. In case of any issues or maintenance requirements, having access to reliable support is crucial to keep your autoclave functioning correctly.

Here at Dental Decontamination we provide a range of top quality autoclaves from leading manufacturers, that are suitable for a range of professional environments. We also provide support and training too, including repair, maintenance and servicing. Why not get in touch to find out more?