Autoclaves

We supply a range of microscopes for clinical and laboratory use:

Binocular compound microscopes are the standard clinical laboratory instrument for examination of blood films, urine deposits, tissue sections and microbiological specimens. They typically offer magnification from 40x to 1000x with oil immersion.

Trinocular microscopes incorporate a third optical port for attachment of a camera, allowing digital image capture for documentation, reporting and teaching purposes.

Digital microscopes display the image on a connected monitor or screen rather than through traditional eyepieces, reducing operator fatigue during extended examination sessions.

Stereo microscopes provide low-magnification three-dimensional viewing and are used in surgical procedures, wound care, entomology and materials examination.

Both new and refurbished microscopes are available. Refurbished units are fully cleaned, optically checked and tested before supply. Contact our team to discuss the appropriate specification for your clinical or laboratory application.

Key specifications to consider when selecting a centrifuge include:

Maximum speed (RPM) and RCF: different applications require different speeds. Haematology and basic serum separation typically requires 3,000–5,000 RPM. Molecular biology and microbiological applications may require higher speeds of 10,000–15,000 RPM or above.

Rotor type and tube compatibility: ensure the rotor accepts the tube sizes and volumes used in your workflow — commonly 1.5ml, 2ml, 15ml and 50ml tubes for clinical laboratories.

Refrigerated vs ambient: refrigerated centrifuges maintain sample temperature during spinning, which is essential for temperature-sensitive samples such as certain enzymes, hormones and molecular specimens.

Capacity: the number of tubes processed per run affects throughput. Choose a capacity that matches your sample volume without excessive idle capacity.

Safety features: lid lock mechanisms, imbalance detection and rotor authentication are important safety features, particularly in clinical settings.

Contact our team with your application and sample types and we will recommend the most appropriate model.

Autoclaves used in clinical settings in the UK are subject to several regulatory and quality frameworks:

HTM 01-05 (Decontamination in primary care dental practices) and HTM 01-01 (Management and decontamination of surgical instruments) provide detailed guidance on autoclave validation, testing and use for NHS and CQC-registered healthcare providers.

The Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 require that pressure vessels above a certain size are subject to a written scheme of examination and inspected by a competent person at defined intervals.

BS EN 13060 specifies performance requirements for small steam sterilisers used in healthcare settings, classifying them as Class B, Class S or Class N depending on the load types they are validated to process.

For dental and podiatry practices, a Class B autoclave is recommended as it is validated to sterilise wrapped, unwrapped and hollow instruments. Class N autoclaves are suitable for unwrapped solid instruments only.

All autoclaves must be validated, tested and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and applicable HTM guidance. Contact our team for advice on selecting the right autoclave for your practice type.

Autoclave testing and servicing requirements in healthcare settings are defined by HTM 01-05 and HTM 01-01:

Daily tests: a vacuum leak test (for Class B autoclaves) and a steam penetration test (Helix or Bowie-Dick test) should be performed at the start of each day before processing loads. Results must be recorded.

Quarterly service: a periodic test by a competent person, including pressure gauge calibration, door seal inspection and cycle verification.

Annual validation: a full validation by a qualified Authorised Engineer (Decontamination) or competent service engineer to confirm the autoclave is performing to specification. This includes thermometric testing, chemical and biological indicator testing where applicable, and a review of all maintenance records.

All test and service records must be retained for a minimum of 11 years in dental settings under HTM 01-05. Records should be made available during CQC inspections.

The standard storage temperature range for most medicines requiring refrigeration, including vaccines, insulin, certain eye drops and biological medicines, is +2°C to +8°C. This is the temperature range specified by the majority of manufacturers for cold chain products.

Pharmacy-grade and medical refrigerators are specifically designed and validated to maintain this range consistently throughout the cabinet interior, including under door-opening and load variation conditions. Domestic refrigerators are not suitable for medicine storage as they cannot reliably maintain the required temperature uniformity or recovery time.

Ultra-low temperature freezers operating at -20°C, -40°C or -80°C are required for storage of certain biological products, frozen plasma and some mRNA-based medications.

All medical refrigerators and freezers used for medicines storage should be fitted with a calibrated minimum-maximum thermometer or a continuous electronic temperature monitoring and alarm system, in accordance with the MHRA's guidance on temperature-controlled storage.

Vaccine storage in GP practices, pharmacies and community healthcare settings in England is governed by NHS England's Green Book (Immunisation Against Infectious Disease) and associated cold chain guidance, as well as the MHRA's guidance on the storage of medicines.

Key requirements include:

Temperature range: vaccines must be stored at +2°C to +8°C at all times. They must never be frozen (except those specified for frozen storage) and must not be exposed to temperatures above +25°C.

Dedicated fridge: vaccines should be stored in a purpose-built pharmaceutical refrigerator, not a domestic fridge or one shared with food.

Temperature monitoring: minimum and maximum temperatures must be recorded at least twice daily. A continuous electronic temperature logger with out-of-range alarm is recommended and increasingly required by NHS commissioners.

Cold chain incident management: a documented procedure must be in place for managing cold chain breaches, including escalation to the local health protection team and UKHSA guidance on vaccine viability assessment.

Contact our team to discuss appropriate pharmaceutical refrigerators for your practice size and vaccine storage volume.

Laboratory incubators maintain a stable temperature environment for the growth and cultivation of microorganisms, cell cultures or biological specimens. Common clinical and laboratory applications include:

Microbiology: incubation of culture plates and broth media at 37°C for bacterial growth, or at other temperatures for fungi and environmental organisms.

Molecular biology: incubation of enzymatic reactions, hybridisation steps and DNA amplification protocols at precise temperatures.

Cell culture: CO2 incubators maintain temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide concentration for mammalian cell line culture.

Haematology: incubation of blood samples for specialised compatibility testing.

Standard dry heat incubators, shaking incubators and CO2 incubators are available. The appropriate type depends on the specific laboratory application. Contact our team to discuss your requirements.

Yes. Selfimed UK supplies both new and professionally refurbished laboratory equipment including microscopes, centrifuges, autoclaves and incubators. Refurbished laboratory equipment offers significant cost savings and is widely used by NHS pathology departments, research institutions, veterinary practices and independent laboratories.

Our refurbishment process varies by equipment type but typically includes:

Full inspection and cleaning of all mechanical, optical and electronic components.

Replacement of worn or degraded parts including seals, gaskets, rotors where necessary, and optical components on microscopes.

Calibration and performance testing to confirm the equipment operates within specification.

Electrical safety testing where applicable.

Each refurbished unit is supplied with a service report and warranty. The cosmetic condition is clearly described in the product listing. Contact our team to enquire about current stock availability for specific equipment types.

Individual patients with a qualifying chronic illness or disability purchasing eligible medical devices for personal use may claim VAT Relief under Group 12 of Schedule 8 of the Value Added Tax Act 1994. Tick the declaration at checkout to apply the 20% reduction.

Most laboratory and pharmacy equipment is purchased by organisations rather than individuals. NHS Trusts and certain other public bodies may be eligible for VAT relief on clinical and laboratory equipment purchases. Registered charities and research institutions may also qualify for relief in certain circumstances.

For institutional orders, contact our team before placing your order to confirm the correct VAT treatment and to receive a formal quotation with the appropriate VAT status applied.