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).
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.
