The Prestige podiaclave is one of the most recognizable podiatry autoclaves used in the UK, manufactured by Prestige Medical for over 20 years. Part of the new Podiaclave range the Podiaclave 134 is a small easy to use autoclave, ideal for the smaller clinic. In this guide I run through who Prestige medical are, the machines they offer and the technical info for the popular podiaclave 134.
Who are Prestige Medical?
Located On Duttons way, on the Shadsworth business park in Blackburn, Prestige medical are on of the UK’s largest providers of autoclaves and decontamination equipment to industries such as Dentistry, Veterinary, Podiatry even Tattooists.
The Prestige Classic 2100
One of the most recognized autoclaves in podiatry known as a “2100 classic”. A pressure cooker type as it’s affectionately known, this autoclave has been serving podiatry start-ups and practices for over twenty years.
The autoclave reached a temperature of 126 degrees, deemed unacceptable under the change of regulations which cam into affect at the end of 2010.
It is recommended by the manufacturers that you also use the TST indicator strips with every cycle to ensure the machine is reaching the correct temperature. these can be purchased from many of the main podiatry suppliers.
The Prestige Podiaclave 134
The model underwent a redesign in 2009 to meet the changes in autoclave regulation by the society of chiropodists and podiatrists. The new podiaclave now meets the minimum sterilization temperature of 134 degrees, it also features a printer to enable the practitioner to keep a printed record of each cycle. TST Indicator strips are still recommended. Optional clip tray furniture is also available.
Prestige Podiaclave Features
- Round internal basket for placing instruments
- 134 degree “N” type steam cycle for un-pouched non hollow instrument
- Automatic printer ticket at end of cycle
- Simple one press cycle start
- Smaller and relatively lightweight in comparison to other autoclaves
What’s included on the box
- Main Machine
- Printer including leads
- Printer Paper Roll
- Instructions
What type of practice is the Podiaclave 134 suitable for?
The podiaclave is a small simple autoclave with easy to use features. It can fit approximately 4-6 sets of instruments per cycle, although this can depend on size & shape of instruments and whether you are using the optional clip tray system. When using the standard basket supplied it is not recommended to overload the machine as this can compromise the effectiveness of the cycle. Steam needs to be allowed to circulate around the instruments.
How do you operate the sterilizer?
One of the best features of the podiaclave is it’s ease of use. Once you have mastered the basics it is an efficient machine to operate. The basic instructions are as follows:
- Fill level inside chamber with distilled water.
- Place instruments in basket or in cassettes with TST indicator strip.
- Secure lid on machine.
- Connect machine to mains power.
- Press start button.
Pro’s & Con’s of the Prestige Podiaclave
Pro’s
- Small and easily transportable in comparison to other autoclaves
- Cost effective initial purchase price
- Easy to use
- Meets current guidelines & EN/BS standards
Con’s
- Not as reliable as more expensive autoclaves available
- Body of machine gets very hot
- Limited capacity
- Unable to sterilize pouched instruments
- Non tray based system
Technical Specification
Height – 335mm
Width – 340mm
Net Weight – 5.6 kgs
Capacity – 9 Litre
Max Instrument Length – 290mm
Max Load Weight – 3 kgs
Summary
A market leader for over 20 years, the podiaclave is probably the best budget podiatry autoclave available. With it’s easy to use features and simple design it makes an obvious choice. Being the only compliant autoclave that can be moved from location to location is a big bonus. Many people will organize group servicing on the podiaclave to reduce engineer call out charges and lower costs.
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I have tried every where to find out how to properly use the podiaclave. I sterilized my un-pouched instruments and they were still a little wet. I don’t know how I am supposed to dry them or where I am supposed to store them once they are sterilized to keep them sterile. There was also no mention in the instruction manual on how long they stay sterile for!! I find this frustrating as sterilizing equipment was not covered in college.
Hi Lisa, this is a confusing subject. The main thing is you follow best practice. As soon as you expose instruments to air they are not “technically” sterile. It’s best to leave them to cool after a cycle to allow any residual moisture to evaporate. The instruments should then be used as soon as possible. I also know a lot of podiatrists transfer them to sealed pouches to transport on domiciliary rounds.
Hi Adrian
I have been given a podiaclave it has never been used but it’s not work properly it gets to temputure then all the stream escapes and I have to turn it off please can you tell me what i’m doing wrong !!!
Many thanks Linda
Hi Linda, Thank you for your message. It’s difficult to say but it could be a seal (gasket) issue. They do need to be replaced periodically. That would be the first thing to check. Even if it’s new. Kind regards Adrian
My podioclave has suddenly stopped heating and does not go to the next cycle.
Thank you for your message, I’ve emailed you directly.
looking for a engineer to service and repair
Hi Melanie, Thank you for your comment. If your machine is under warranty then I would recommend you contact the supplier that you purchased it from as they will be able to recommend an authorised service technician. Alternatively you can contact Prestige medical directly or potentially through your local branch.
Hi Adrian,
I have a 10 year old Podiaclave 134 and last week the lid blew. I let it cool down, checked the gasket was ok, which it was. I checked the water level and tried again. The gasket blew again and looking closely at the lid I think the pressure from the gasket blowing out has distorted something. I am wondering if I can buy a new lid. I have tried to search for this but no luck. Can you advise please.
Hi Julia, thank you for your comment. Due to the age of your machine you may well need a new lid as I’ve heard of this before. It may be a good idea to speak to Prestige direct (01254 844 116) or the service department of an authorised agent (Canonbury or DLT). They should be able to advise. Best to have your serial number to hand as well. Best of luck!
Hi I have just used for the first time my brand new podicalve 210052 the cycle only took 10 minutes in this correct?
Hi, There is a set time for how long the actual sterilization time should be (approximately 3 minutes) and then how long the total cycle takes, which is around 20 minutes. You may want to get your machine checked.