Biological indicators are the only process indicators
that directly monitor the lethality of a given
sterilization process. Spores used to monitor a
sterilization process have demonstrated resistance to
the sterilizing agent and are more resistant than the
bioburden found on medical devices.
Bacillus atrophaeus spores are used to monitor
EO Gas and
dry heat, and
Geobacillus stearothermophilus
spores are used to monitor steam
sterilization, hydrogen peroxide gas
plasma, and liquid peracetic acid sterilizers.
Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores are incubated at
55-60°C, and Bacillus atrophaeus spores are incubated
at 35-37°C.
Weekly Testing is minimum:
Steam and low temperature sterilizers (e.g., hydrogen
peroxide gas plasma, peracetic acid) should be
monitored at least weekly with the appropriate
commercial preparation of spores. If a sterilizer is
used frequently (e.g., several loads per day), daily
use of biological indicators allows earlier discovery
of
equipment malfunctions or procedural errors and thus
minimizes the extent of patient surveillance and
product recall needed in the event of a
positive
biological indicator. Each load
should be monitored if it contains implantable
objects. If feasible, implantable items should not be
used until the results of spore tests are known to be
negative. See
also
www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/infectioncontrol/faq/sterilization_monitoring.htm
The
excellent microbicidal activity of ETO sterilizers has
been demonstrated and proven in several studies. ETO
inactivates all microorganisms although bacterial
spores (especially Bacillus atrophaeus) are more
resistant than other microorganisms. For this reason
Bacillus atrophaeus spores is the recommended
biological indicator.
Also, Bacillus atrophaeus spores should be used
to monitor the sterilization process for dry heat
because they are more resistant to dry heat than are
Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores. The primary
lethal process is considered to be oxidation of cell
constituents.
ATS,
Inc. facilitates high quality and stringent laboratory
standards with our
Mail-In Services. We provide a
dual-spore strip inoculated with both spores,
Geobacillus stearothermophilus and Bacillus atrophaeus
spores, allowing users to spore test all sterilizers
used in healthcare facilities. ATS also has a 48-hour
read-out biological indicator for performing
In-Office Testing.
DID YOU KNOW?
§
Autoclave Testing Service, Inc. is one of the first
companies nationwide to offer a
Mail-In
sterilizer monitoring service using biological
indicators. Serving the healthcare industry
throughout the United States and Canada since 1986, we
have thousands of satisfied customers.
§
We have on-line test
results allowing you to access your results at
your convenience! Your Sterilizer Test Report (STR)
is posted
on-line upon
completion of culturing, offering minimum turn-around
time.
§
We have 24-hour test results for Steam sterilizers!
§
We have a comprehensive Glossary of Terms related to
the sterile processing area (scroll below to view the
Glossary). This is invaluable information, assisting
you with this important area of your facility.
ATS,
Inc. now stocks sterilization pouches, sterilizer
cleaners, chemical indicator products, sterilizers
(new and used), ultrasonic cleaners, water distillers,
and more! (see
Supplies).
In-Office and Mail-To-Lab Testing!
Verify the sterilization process of all steam
sterilizers which include Statim, Midmark,
Tuttnauer, Lisa, Mocom and Pelton & Crane
sterilizers.
Bowie-Dick Test
Packs should be used daily to evaluate the
performance of air-removal (vacuum) system of
dynamic pre-vacuum type sterilizers. Available
as test cards or preassembled test packs.
Internal CI’s should be used within
each pouch or package, tray, or container. Class 5
Integrators should be used in conjunction with
physical monitoring and biological indicator
testing for verifying the efficacy of a
sterilization system. (See AAMI ST79:2006)
Recordkeeping is a must for all
sterile processing departments. This ensures
accountability and allows operators to trace
errors to their source. Tips on sterilizer
maintenance and technical advice are included with
each book.
