Is Your Sterilizer sterilizing?... Guesswork isn’t
good enough!
RISK…who can afford
to take one?
As per the
dictionary; RISK n. “Chance of harm or loss, etc.” or v.
“To put in danger or to take the chance of.”
FACT: 360 people
die every day from infection.
FACT: Because a sterilizer may be new, does not mean every pack or
tray is guaranteed to be sterile.
FACT: Operator error is the primary cause of sterilizer failure
usually caused by overloading the sterilizer. Operator error in
assembling a tray or pack can also cause “cold spots” where the
sterilant is ineffective.
Biological spore testing will
reduce the risk, as it is the only
valid proofthat your sterilizer is sterilizing.
Chemical indicators
only indicate that an item has been
exposed to a sterilant (see Sterilization Supplies for a complete explanation of the
various types of chemical indicators available). Spore testing
using biological indicators (paper strips inoculated with millions
of micro-organisms) are as resistant to a sterilizer as are common
viruses; germs; mold and bacteria. Our spore strips have the dual
spores “G. Stearothermophilus and B. Atrophaeus” spores. The
Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores require steam sterilization at
121.1°C to 135°C (250°F to 275°F), Low Temperature Steam
w/Formaldehyde and Chemiclave®. Bacillus atrophaeus spores are for
use in Ethylene Oxide (600 mg/L), Dry Heat Sterilization (Dvalue
calculated at 160°C) and formaldehyde fumigation.
Third party spore testing
will give you peace of mind and assurance that your sterilizer and
its operator are performing properly and will reduce the risk of
passing viral and bacterial infections to your patients and staff. Accurate
sterilization records and documented test
reports will provide legal documentation should litigation occur.
The
CDCand many
other agencies recommend that sterilizers should be monitored
WEEKLY using biological
indicators. This is also required by law in some states.
Check for your states guidelines under your industry heading in our
menu; if your industry is not listed, call us for updated laws or
regulations.
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.