How often should an autoclave be serviced?

• A. Every 6 months
• B. Every 3 months
• C. Every month
• D. Every year

Answer: (B)

Regular preventative maintenance of autoclaves is essential to ensure reliable sterilization and patient safety in theatre practice. Servicing every three months allows technicians to inspect and replace wear-prone components such as gaskets, door interlocks, chamber seals, and seals on the water lines; check the vacuum system and heater elements; and verify that controls, timers, and sensors remain accurate. It also provides an opportunity to validate cycle parameters and calibration, and to confirm the machine is producing correct sterilization conditions. Daily and weekly checks that staff perform (like indicating tests and load precautions) are important, but they don’t replace professional service. If servicing is done less frequently, subtle wear or calibration drift can go unnoticed, increasing the risk of incomplete sterilization or equipment failure. While some clinics may justify more frequent or less frequent maintenance depending on usage, a three-month service interval is a practical, widely adopted standard in many veterinary theatre settings to maintain sterility assurance and reduce downtime.