Some of the CDC guidelines are quoted below.  

Call the CDC’s toll-free #(800)CDC-INFO or check CDC’s website at:  www.cdc.gov

"Monitor sterilizers at least weekly by using a biological indicator with a matching control (i.e., biological indicator and control from same lot number)."  

Guidelines for infection control in dental health-care settings - 2003.  Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), 52(RR-17), 19 December 2003.

“Use a biological indicator for every sterilizer load that contains an implantable device…”

Guidelines for infection control in dental health-care settings - 2003.  Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), 52(RR-17)(243-248) 19 December 2003.

"All sterilizers should be monitored at least once a week with commercial preparations of spores intended specifically for the type of sterilizer."

Gamer JS, Favero MS. CDC guideline for hand washing and Hospital environment control 1985.  Infection Control 7(231-43), 1986.                

"The adequacy of sterilization cycles should be verified by the periodic use of spore - testing devices (e.g., weekly for most dental practices)."

Recommended Infection-Control Practices for Dentistry, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), 35(237-42), 1986.                        

“Proper functioning of sterilization cycles should be verified by the periodic use (at least weekly) of biological indicators (i.e. spore tests).   Heat sensitive chemical indicators (e.g. those that change color after exposure to heat) alone do not ensure adequacy of a sterilization cycle but may be used on the outside of each pack to identify packs that have been processed through the heating cycle.  A simple and inexpensive method to confirm heat penetration to all instruments during each cycle is the use of a chemical indicator inside and in the center of either a load of unwrapped instruments or in each multiple instrument pack; this procedure is recommended for use in all dental practices.  Instructions provided by the manufacturers of medical/dental instruments and sterilization devices should be followed closely.”  

Recommended Infection-Control Practices for Dentistry, 1993.  Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), 41(RR-8), 28 May 1993.

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).