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Avidity Science recently met with Systec GmbH for an interview to talk about Systec autoclaves and the role the devices are playing during the COVID-19 crisis.
Tell us more about Systec and what you do
Systec has been working in the field of laboratory autoclaves and culture media preparation for 25 years. The products manufactured in Germany are used in research and diagnostic laboratories as well as in the cosmetics, food and beverage, pharmaceutical and culture media industries. Systec has a network of factory-trained distribution partners. As a global market leader, Systec supplies customers in more than 130 countries around the world with steam sterilization equipment of the highest quality and offers services and expertise in steam sterilization, including qualification and validation in accordance with GLP and GMP standards. The focus on these product segments enables Systec to consistently implement its vision. This vision is as follows: "To make laboratory work safer, simpler, more accurate, more reproducible and more validatable, with the aim of optimizing the cost-effectiveness of laboratory work."
What distinguishes Systec autoclaves?
All our products have a modular design and can be equipped with a wide range of options and accessories. This enables us to design our products for standard processes such as the sterilization of liquids, solids or waste, but also for more demanding sterilization processes such as steam/air mixtures or glass tests and rubber closure tests according to pharmacopoeia, exactly as the customer requires. In our research and development laboratory, we can develop customized sterilization processes as well as options and accessories. All Systec autoclaves and media preparators are manufactured in accordance with the standards and regulations for the safety of pressure equipment that apply in the country to which the equipment is to be delivered.
What tests do Systec autoclaves undergo during production?
After mechanical and electrical production comes the most important step: quality control before our products are shipped to our customers. All products undergo a calibration of their pressure and temperature sensors, followed by a thorough functional test of all safety elements (e.g. pressure relief valve, sealing system). The final step is performance testing of the sterilization cycles. Production and quality control are carried out according to a defined production and quality control plan. All essential steps during production and quality control are documented. Our customers receive a complete set consisting of the documentation, the user manual and all necessary certificates. Our quality management system is certified to ISO 9001 and is constantly monitored by our quality managers.
What makes Systec autoclaves so energy efficient?
In addition to safety, functionality and accuracy, the energy efficiency and environmental compatibility of our products also play an important role in the development of new products or the further development of existing products. Energy efficiency is primarily facilitated by our highly effective insulation. It significantly reduces the dissipation of energy from the chamber and the steam generator. This enables us to reduce energy and water consumption, which lowers the total cost of ownership of our products on the one hand and reduces the environmental impact on the other. Another advantage of our insulation is that the material we use has been specially developed and certified for cleanroom applications. In contrast to commonly used insulation material such as rock wool, Systec uses a special foam material that does not release particles into the cleanroom. In addition to the impact of our products on the environment, we also keep an eye on the overall impact of our company on the environment. Systec is therefore one of the first autoclave manufacturers to receive ISO 14001 certification for its environmental management system.
How can Systec autoclaves increase safety with regard to COVID-19?
According to the latest WHO guidelines, laboratories where diagnostic work such as virus sequencing is carried out must comply with the BSL-2 standard. Laboratories where the virus is cultured or otherwise present in high concentrations must work on the basis of BSL-3. Systec supplies single and pass-through autoclaves that meet both BSL-2 and BSL-3 standards. They have proven to be safe and reliable in many facilities around the world. Double-door autoclaves can be installed gas-tight in a wall to divide two safety areas and allow material to pass between the two areas. Thanks to our options and accessories, as well as our experience, we can configure our autoclaves to meet WHO guidelines for an optimized, precise sterilization process and occupational safety. A recent article on the coronavirus can be found here.
What advice would you give to someone looking to buy an autoclave?
First of all, the respective national regulations on biosafety and occupational safety must be known. Secondly, all applications must be known exactly. All this information together enables us to develop the perfect autoclave tailored to your needs. Of course, we help with our experience and expertise.
What can users expect from the new Systec H-series?
Our new Systec H-series is our next generation of autoclaves. Thanks to the new control system, we have been able to make steam sterilization cycles up to 25 % faster, more efficient and more precise. We also rely on new technologies such as intuitive touchscreen control, USB download of documentation data as a PDF or Excel file. An internal memory allows the user to store all documentation data in the device for at least 10 years. We have also developed a new approach to FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and use electronic signatures to prove the validity of electronic records. Ethernet and wireless LAN, enable easy integration into our customers' workflows as well as integration into SCADA and LIMS systems.
For more information please contact us!
This interview was conducted by Avidity Science. Systec GmbH may use this interview for its own website.
