Sterilizers, mechanical washers, and other expensive items are examples of what type of equipment?

Capital equipment refers to the significant, long-term assets that an organization invests in to support its operations and achieve its mission. Sterilizers, mechanical washers, and other expensive items are classified as capital equipment because they typically have a high purchase cost and are used over an extended period to maintain and facilitate sterile processing and infection control.

These items are essential for maintaining the standards of care in healthcare environments, ensuring that instruments and other medical supplies are properly disinfected and sterilized. Since they involve a considerable financial investment, they are recorded as assets on the organization's balance sheet and are depreciated over time. This classification distinguishes them from consumables and disposable items, which are used up and replaced frequently. Additionally, while durable goods could be thought of as items designed to last a long time, in this context, "capital equipment" more accurately captures the financial and operational implications of these valuable assets in a healthcare setting.