The difference between Non- Vacuum and Vacuum Autoclaves!

The main difference between non-vacuum and vacuum autoclaves lies in how they remove air from the chamber to ensure effective sterilisation:

1. Non-Vacuum Autoclaves (Class N):
   • Air Removal: These autoclaves use steam to displace the air in the chamber through a process called downward displacement.
   • Suitable For: Solid, unwrapped instruments. They are not effective for porous or hollow items because the steam may not penetrate all areas¹².
   • Drying: Some models may have an aeration pump for drying, or the door can be opened to allow air drying¹.
2. Vacuum Autoclaves (Class B):
   • Air Removal: These autoclaves use a vacuum pump to remove air from the chamber before steam is introduced. This ensures that steam can penetrate all parts of the load, including porous and hollow items²³.
   • Suitable For: A wide range of items, including wrapped, porous, and hollow instruments. They are more versatile and effective for comprehensive sterilisation²³.
   • Drying: They often include a vacuum drying phase, which helps to remove moisture from the sterilised items².

In summary, if you need to sterilise complex instruments, including those with cavities or porous materials, a vacuum autoclave is the better choice. For simpler, solid instruments, a non-vacuum autoclave may suffice.