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Landscape image of a podiatrist (chiropody professional) treating a patient's feet in a clinic, with a small medical autoclave unit visible in the background for sterilizing tools.

Chiropody Autoclave – The Complete Guide for Foot Care Professionals

Sterilisation is at the heart of every professional chiropody or foot-care clinic. From nail nippers to scalpels and burrs, every reusable instrument must be completely sterile before use. That’s why choosing the right chiropody autoclave is essential for compliance, safety, and professional reputation.

At Excel Healthcare, we supply CE-certified Class B autoclaves trusted by chiropodists, podiatrists, and healthcare professionals across the UK. Our ranges — Enigma, Eclipse and Elite — combine reliability, precision, and full compliance with healthcare sterilisation standards.

What Is a Chiropody Autoclave?

A chiropody autoclave is a steam-sterilisation device that uses pressurised steam to destroy bacteria, viruses, and spores on reusable instruments. It’s designed for rapid, validated sterilisation cycles that meet UK infection-control regulations such as HTM 01-05 and HCPC standards.

Why Do Chiropodists Need an Autoclave?

Every instrument that contacts skin or tissue can carry infection-risk. Using a Class B autoclave ensures:

  • Full steam penetration, even inside hollow or hinged tools

  • Consistent sterilisation for every cycle

  • Compliance with Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspections

  • Patient safety and peace of mind

Which Autoclave Class Is Best for Chiropody?

Class B autoclaves are the professional standard for chiropody and podiatry clinics. They use a pre-vacuum cycle to remove air before introducing steam, allowing complete sterilisation of complex instruments such as nail nippers and cutters.

Class S or N autoclaves, by contrast, are limited to solid, unwrapped tools and are not recommended for HCPC-registered clinics.

If you’re setting up or upgrading your clinic, a Class B chiropody autoclave from Excel Healthcare guarantees full compliance and repeatable results.

Recommended Autoclave Sizes for Chiropody Clinics

For mobile chiropodists or single-chair clinics

For medium-sized foot-care practices

For busy multi-room, NHS or high-throughput clinics

All Excel autoclaves feature microprocessor control, automatic drying, and optional external printers for compliance logging.

Key Features to Look For

  1. Validated Sterilisation Cycles – Pre-programmed Class B cycles ensure repeatable, traceable sterilisation.

  2. Drying Function – Keeps instruments sterile post-cycle and ready for pouching.

  3. Cycle Print-Outs – Required for inspections; the Enigma includes an external printer as standard.

  4. Safety Systems – Door-lock sensors, over-pressure valves, and RCD protection.

  5. Ease of Use – One-touch operation with clear LCD display; ideal for busy clinics.

How to Use a Chiropody Autoclave Step by Step

  1. Clean instruments first – ideally in an ultrasonic cleaner.

  2. Rinse and dry to remove residue.

  3. Load instruments in self-seal pouches.

  4. Select the correct cycle and press start.

  5. Wait for drying and automatic unlock.

  6. Store instruments in a clean, dry environment.

For added safety, always use self seal sterilisation pouches and log each cycle using your printer or digital record system.

How Often Should a Chiropody Autoclave Be Tested?

  • Daily: Vacuum and Bowie-Dick test

  • Weekly: Cleaning of chamber and door seal

  • Annually: Full service and validation

Excel Healthcare provides testing products and service-plan support to keep your equipment in perfect condition.

Compliance and UK Standards

Chiropody and podiatry practices are expected to follow:

  • HTM 01-05: Decontamination in Primary Care Dental Practices (applies to podiatry clinics too) – Official PDF

  • HCPC Standards of Proficiency: for registered professionals

  • CQC Infection Control Framework: for clinical hygiene inspections

All Excel autoclaves comply with BS EN 13060 and are CE-certified medical-grade devices.

Questions People Ask About Chiropody Autoclaves

Do chiropodists legally need an autoclave?
Yes. Any reusable instrument that penetrates or touches the skin must be sterilised in a compliant autoclave.

What size autoclave do most chiropodists use?
Typically 8 L–12 L for smaller clinics, or 17 L–22 L for busier practices.

Can I share an autoclave between practitioners?
Yes, but ensure instruments are labelled and each cycle is logged with time, date, and operator.

How long do chiropody autoclaves last?
With regular servicing, quality machines can last 8–10 years or more.

Do refurbished autoclaves meet compliance?
Absolutely — Excel Healthcare’s refurbished autoclaves are fully serviced, pressure-tested, and validated before sale.

Supporting Products for Podiatry and Chiropody Clinics

Each plays a vital role in maintaining safe, efficient workflows.

Why Buy from Excel Healthcare

With over 40 years of experience supplying autoclaves and infection-control equipment across the UK, Excel Healthcare is trusted by chiropodists, dentists, tattooists and healthcare professionals alike.

We offer:

  • CE-certified Class B autoclaves in multiple sizes

  • UK-based technical support and servicing

  • Fast nationwide delivery

  • Competitive pricing on new and refurbished models

Need advice? Contact us — we’ll help you choose the perfect chiropody autoclave for your practice.

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