Consultants’ Comments

• “Instruments come out very dry.”
• “No waiting time necessary between cycles.”
• “Large capacity.”
• “Sturdy, solidly built unit.”
• “The icons on the graphical display are not intuitive.”
• “The float in the water gauge does not move smoothly during filling.”
• “Vacuum is louder than any other autoclave I have heard.”
• “Our 220V outlet did not supply sufficient power. A transformer was necessary to increase it to 230V.”
• “Automatic water fill and drain should be an option.> Increase the size of the funnel opening on the water reservoir.”
• “Manufacturer should include a quick reference guide to post alongside the unit for programs and display icons.”
• “I would like the unit to stay on longer than four hours to avoid having to pre-heat in the middle of the day.”

Description

Elara11 is a pre/post-vacuum tabletop Class B autoclave. It features a high-volume vacuum pump for efficient air removal in the pre-vacuum phase and complete drying during the post-vacuum drying phase. The advantages of the pre-vacuum include more efficient steam penetration and temperature uniformity throughout the chamber. The unit has a large 11″ diameter x 19.8” deep, 7.5-gallon chamber, front and top water filling options, an automated double safety locking door mechanism, and an independent steam generator to continuously provide steam, resulting in no wait time between cycles. Dual reservoirs (one for distilled water and one for waste water) minimize cleaning and maintenance of the chamber. Elara11 includes five stainless steel trays- with capacity for four standard and four half cassettes. The unit weighs 148 pounds without water or instruments with overall dimensions of 20.8” W x 17.4” H x 25.4” D. Elara11 requires 50/60 Hz of power and a voltage between 220V and 235V for proper operation; it is recommended that a buck/boost transformer at 0.5KVA should be used to ensure against voltage fluctuation. A digital display and keypad are used for operation and monitoring of the unit. Elara11 offers 5 sterilization programs plus a Bowie Dick Test and Vacuum Test program. Total cycle times range from 15 – 60 minutes, depending on the program selected. A thermal printer records details of each sterilization cycle. A ten-second buzzer signals the end of the cycle. Elara11 was evaluated by eight consultants during a six-month period. This autoclave received an 82% clinical rating.

Equipment Features

Elara11 effectively sterilizes instruments, leaving them dry at the end of the cycle. Operation is simple after the user becomes familiar with the program options. Frequent reference to the operator’s manual was necessary to interpret the icons on the display, The unit should be turned on at the beginning of the day and preheated; it turns off after four hours of non-use. Since Elara11 operates with fresh water for every cycle, frequent filling was required in a busy dental office with the waste water being emptied an average of twice per day. Filling and draining are easily accomplished. The large capacity is a positive feature, allowing fewer cycles to be run. At the end of the cycle, the vacuum pump runs for approximately six to eight minutes and is extremely loud. Thirteen percent of consultants ratedElara11 better than their current Class B autoclave, and 25% rated it equivalent. Thirteen percent would switch to Elara11, and 50% would recommend it.

Clinical Tips

• Orient paper/plastic sterilization bags with the plastic side down.

• Instruments such as scissors or hemostats should be sterilized in the “open” position to allow maximum exposure to the steam.

• Use only distilled water.

• Instruments, packs and pouches should not be allowed to touch the walls of the chamber.