Harvey PV Dry Table Top Steam Sterilizer

The Harvey PVDry is a fully-automated, microprocessor-controlled, table-top steam sterilizer with a 10-inch diameter by 15.5-inch deep, round, stainless-steel chamber. Barnstead International claims that by using pre- and post-vacuum technology instruments come out completely dry in 35 minutes. Features include a front control panel with a large easy-to-read LCD display and five factory-preset cycles, which can be adjusted. Upon activation of the start button the patented automatic door seals shut and the sterilization process begins. When the sterilization cycle is complete the chamber door opens automatically. The PVDry is said to be virtually maintenance free and uses a patented built-in non-recirculation system that supplies fresh distilled or deionized water with every cycle. Used water collects in a separate waste-water tank and is drained from the sterilizer with quick-disconnect tubing. The PVDry can be connected to a printer or data port to provide validation and record keeping of sterilization cycles. Standard accessories include a rack and two trays. Optional accessories include a printer, pouch rack, a digital pyrometer, and a temperature-verification probe. The sterilizer is available in nine different models. Electrical requirements range from 115-230 VAC (domestic) to 220-240 VAC (international). Dimensions are 19" W x 23" D x 15.5" H with an operational weight of 115 lbs. A two-year warranty is standard.

The Harvey PVDry table-top steam sterilizer features pre-and post-vacuum technology that is said to eliminate wet packs, the most common complaint with table-top sterilizers. Operationally, the Harvey PVDry performed flawlessly producing sterile/dry instruments. Unwrapped cycles were completed in 35 minutes per manufacturers claim. The unit was easy to set up and required minimal operator maintenance. The chamber door opened and closed automatically with each cycle. The touch-pad control, with five factory preset cycles including a “special” cycle for handpiece sterilization. enhances the units operability. The unit is also manually programmable and has an easy to read LCD display. Waste water removal is facilitated by quick disconnect couplers. The operating manual is detailed and easy to read, and an optional printer is available to document sterilization parameters.

Because the unit is a smaller, table-top sterilizer, it requires frequent filling of the water reservoir and removal of waste water. The power supply standard with the unit may not pass all specifications for medical use, but if requested the unit can be equipped with an optional medical-grade power supply at no extra charge.

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Review Synopsis

Product

Harvey PV Dry Table Top Steam Sterilizer

The Good

Trouble-free operation. Produced sterile-dry instruments. Easy to operate. Optional printer.

The Bad

Requires medical-grade power-supply upgrade. Frequent water filling and removal.

The Bottom Line

Fully-automatic, microprocessor-controlled steam sterilizer that produced dry, sterile instruments.