Steam to dry heat: A sterilizer retrofit case study in an operating vivarium

Replacing sterilization equipment in a live cage wash operation requires as much operational planning as it does technical specification. Robert Davis and Tyler Caron examine a recent project at The Broad Institute in which two steam sterilizers were replaced with dry heat units in an active vivarium facility—with minimal disruption to daily workflows. They detail the project drivers, how the choice of dry heat technology reduced the complexity of the installation, what facility preparations proved essential, and how the project team managed throughput continuity and staff coordination throughout execution. They deliver a replicable model for institutions facing aging sterilization infrastructure without the option of a facility shutdown.