Beware... if you're shopping for Autoclaves!

July 30, 2015

Montana State University
Animal & Range Sciences
Laboratory Manager

Overall

Performance

Ease-of-Optimization

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Company:

Getinge

Product Name:

Model 522LS Sterilizer

Catalog Number:

522LS

The Getinge Model 522LS Sterilizer/Autoclave is a cost-competitive instrument that appealed to my department. Unfortunately, in the 5 years we have had it, it's been a constant source of trouble, despite the fact that it isn't used more than a few times a month. To be fair, here in SW MT, we do have hard (Calcium Carbonate) water, which might contribute to the sterilizer's lack of dependability, but one would expect a company to take such an issue into account when selling and setting up one of their instruments; afterall, no one is happy with poor performance of a very expensive piece of equipment.

Experimental Design and Results Summary

Application

Autoclave/ Sterilization of lab reagents and biohazardous waste

Starting Material

Miscellaneous liquid buffers, glassware, etc

Protocol Overview

Simple sterilization methods, based on Liquid (slow exhaust) or gravity (drying for glassware)

Tips

Buyer Beware!

Results Summary

In the past year, despite use of this sterilizer half a dozen times per month or less, we have had problems which require a service visit about every three months. In the last visit, the repairman admitted that he himself couldn't figure out what was wrong with the instrument; he finally ended up replacing multiple parts, and ultimately the main mother board. That finally fixed it, to the tune of a $6,000 repair bill.

Features Summary

When it works, it works fine. It's just not dependable.

Additional Notes

An extended warranty or (rather expensive) preventive maintenance plan would be nice.

Image Gallery

Summary

The Good

When it works, it works well.

The Bad

All too often, there are problems.

The Bottom Line

Beware of Getinge sterilizers, and start saving your discretionary income for repair costs if you already have one. In all fairness, I should mention that we also have a Getinge lab dishwasher, which is excellent in terms of performance and dependability.

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