I am always puzzled by the concern that autoclaved pump
parts shouldn't be re-used (or is that "recycled") Parts that
are autoclaved can be considered sterile. Hospitals autoclave
surgical instruments that are covered with all sorts of body
fluids -- "riskier" body fluids than breast milk -- and are
"shared" with the next patient.

The pump kits state whether parts can be autoclaved. Of
course, many battery-operated pumps have no way to
prevent contamination from being in the pump itself, and
since the pump cannot be sterilized sharing of these pumps
is not a safe idea. Pump kits, of the sort sold with rental
pumps, are a different story. They are made to prevent
cross-contamination of the pump. That said, parts that "can"
be autoclaved often wear out quickly.

Anyone considering using an autoclave needs to know how
to perform quality control tests (kits are available), and carry
out the tests on a regular basis. Hospitals have written
policies setting forth how each type of equipment they reuse
is to be sterilized. LCs and rental depots would be wise to
have such a written policy. Document, document, document
:-)

Margery Wilson, IBCLC