Advantages of RapidHeat™ sterilization begins with a commitment to patient safety — an essential priority in every dental practice. Given the close contact involved in oral care and the high risk of microbial exposure, rigorous infection control is critical. Advanced sterilization technologies like RapidHeat™ help ensure a sterile environment, protecting both patients and dental professionals from cross-contamination and infection. In this Practice Tip, we'll explore all of the benefits RapidHeat™ sterilization offers.
As dentistry improves, sterilization methods become more efficient. At American Dental Accessories, we are aiming to improve on our selection of technology to make this possible. One of these product lines is the RapidHeat™ sterilizer by CPAC Equipment, Inc. Unlike traditional dry heat, RapidHeat™ uses an advanced thermal sterilization technology to circulate high velocity hot air in a sealed chamber at 200 to 300 air exchanges (or circulations) per minute. RapidHeat™ technology improves the efficiency of all dental practices where tabletop sterilizers play a critical role in the sterilization of medical devices.
Benefits of the RapidHeat™ Sterilizer:
- Faster sterilization cycles with less energy = energy efficient
- Waterless and chemical-free operation that reduces the risk of instrument damage
- Effective for complex instruments where steam sterilization was ineffective
- Uses NASA inspired technology
Faster Sterilization
High volume hot air sterilization activates with a simple push of a cycle button. Since there is no steam pressure, the complete cycle from door closed to door open takes 21 minutes for wrapped instruments. Each cycle documents with internal storage for easy retrieval at any time via a USB flash drive. Since HVHA sterilization operates at very low wattage, you can leave the system running all day with very little energy cost.
Waterless and Chemical-Free Operation
The low temperature cycle expands the RapidHeat™ sterilizer’s ability to process instruments at lower temperatures that manufacturers have only validated for steam sterilization. In the absence of water, steam, or chemicals, this sterilizer eliminates the risk of corrosion, pitting, and dulling dental instruments. You are able to use the RapidHeat™ sterilizer’s low temperature cycle on the same plastic devices you have been sterilizing in your autoclave.
Many reusable medical devices are manufactured from inexpensive temperature-sensitive plastic, such as polypropylene. Traditionally, these instruments have only been compatible with steam autoclave temperatures. For multi-part devices like handpieces, RapidHeat™ effectively conducts thermal heat for sterilization without the need for intricate sterilization pathways characteristic of steam sterilizers.
Low Temperatures
There are load limitations for low-temperature cycles, but you can mix instruments in the same pouch. You do not have to worry, as you would with an autoclave.
NOTE: The RapidHeat™ sterilizer has three low-temperature cycles: 320° F (160° C), 300° F (149° C), and 280° F (138° C). To determine which of the three cycles to choose, your selection can be based on the instrument manufacturer’s maximum temperature recommendation. You can consult with CPAC or use your discretion in choosing the appropriate temperature setting.
Chemical indicators used for steam sterilizers cannot be used in the RapidHeat™ sterilizer. Only dry heat chemical indicators are supplied with the nylon pouches required for use at our standard high-temperature 375° F cycle. In the absence of a chemical indicator imprinted on the pouch - instead rely on dry heat chemical indicators and/or RapidHeat™ CIR Thermal Sensor.
Most autoclave pouches are capable of being used in chamber temperatures up to and including 320° F. Just don’t rely on the color change of a chemical indicator imprint on the pouch. Instead rely on dry heat chemical indicators and/or the RapidHeat™ CIR Thermal Sensor.
Dry heat sterilization, as offered by the RapidHeat™ sterilizer, presents significant advantages over traditional steam methods—especially for moisture-sensitive instruments. With no water, steam, or chemicals, it minimizes corrosion risk, extends instrument life, and lowers both operational costs and maintenance requirements. While each practice must evaluate its specific needs, RapidHeat™ technology offers a powerful, efficient alternative that supports both safety and performance.
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