MTF: Spore testing may be incubated using in-office incubation systems, or by mail-in monitoring services provided by medical companies, universities, and dental schools. ICC: I have seen in-office incubation systems for spore testing and mail-in monitoring services. In other words, if Geobacillus and Bacillus spores are killed, all other pathogens should be killed in the sterilization cycle as well. Inactivation of the BI strongly implies that other potential pathogens in the load have been killed.

This monitoring process assesses the killing of highly resistant microorganisms (e.g., Geobacillus stearothermophilus for autoclaves and chemical vapor units, or Bacillus atrophaeus for dry heat autoclaves). BIs and spore tests remain the best assurance that sterilization equipment is functioning, and instrument processing procedures are being performed correctly. MTF: Yes, BIs and spore tests refer to the same monitoring procedure. ICC: I have heard of “biological indicators” and “spore tests.” Are these the same? Using mechanical and chemical monitoring, dental personnel can rest assured that unsterilized instruments will not be used for patient care. These monitoring methods may be the first indication something has gone wrong and may differentiate between processed and unprocessed items. Fluent (MTF): That is a great question! Both mechanical and chemical indicators are the first steps in quality assurance and should be performed for each sterilization cycle.

Infection control coordinator (ICC): First, if mechanical and chemical indicators do not “prove” sterilization has taken place, why are these monitoring methods necessary?ĭr. This interview addresses why BIs are the best assurance that sterilization has occurred. Yet, neither of these methods guarantee sterilization-they merely detect procedural errors and equipment malfunctions. Chemical indicator tapes, strips, or tabs and marking on packaging materials change color when exposed to high temperatures or combinations of time and temperature. These parameters may be observed during the sterilization cycle and may serve as a first indication of any malfunction.Ĭhemical indicators (CI) use sensitive chemicals to assess the physical conditions during the sterilization process. Mechanical indicators assess the cycle time, temperature, and pressure found on displays and printouts of autoclaves. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the ability of a sterilizer to reach conditions necessary to achieve sterilization should be monitored using a combination of mechanical, chemical, and biological indicators (BI).