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1. How often should I test my sterilizer?
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) vol. 42/No. RR-9 calls
for once a week. 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 though the heating cycle,
spore testing is the ultimate test.
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2. Is load capacity a concern?
The quantity of instruments placed within the sterilizer chamber
should not exceed the manufacturer’s recommended capacity.
Tabletop sterilizers, which are most frequently used in individual
and group practices, have a relatively small chamber and
are easy to overload. Instruments, bagged or otherwise, should
not be loaded in such a manner as to inhibit the free flow
of steam around them.
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3. What happens if my sterilzation cycle is
interrupted?
Interruptions of the sterilization cycle most frequently occur
during a momentary power serge or failure. Effective sterilization
in steam sterilizers is a specific function of time, temperature
and pressure (saturated steam). If any of these parameters
is compromised, sterilization failure is likely.
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4. What is the proper time cycle?
For most steam sterilizers running at 250 degrees Fahrenheit
(121 degrees Celsius), a 20-minute cycle is adequate. That
20-minute cycle should begin at the time the sterilizer reaches
operating temperature and pressure. It is important
to allow adequate warm-up time (normally, 5-10 minutes) before
starting the timing of the cycle. There are some steam sterilizers,
commonly referred to as “rapid-cycle” or “flash” sterilizers,
which may have a shorter cycle time (3.5 to 8 minute cycle).
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5. What temperature do most sterilizers operate at?
Most steam sterilizers operate in a range between 250-270 degrees
Fahrenheit. Any lower temperature may be inadequate to achieve
sterilization.
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6. Is low pressure a concern?
Pressure should be 15-30 psi (pounds per square inch). A frequent
reason for loss of pressure is an inadequate seal of the
sterilizer door gasket. The gasket may need to be cleaned
with common dish washing detergent or it may need to be replaced.
A “hissing” sound coming from the sterilizer
door may be an indication that the gasket is not sealing
properly.
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7. Is my machine venting properly?
Venting is the process, which during the warm-up time, prior
to the actual sterilization cycle, cool air is displaced
with the sterilizer chamber by pressurized saturated steam.
This process is achieved via a valve commonly referred to
as a “bleeder valve”. If this valve is not cleaned
regularly, sterilizer failure can occur. While the sterilizer
temperature gauge may indicate that adequate sterilization
temperature has been reached, there could be “cool” spots
within the sterilizer chamber. The procedure for cleaning
this valve should be described in the sterilizer owner’s
manual.
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8. Is tap-water okay for my sterilizer?
Only distilled or de-ionized water should be used in autoclaves
for purposes of sterilization and maintenance related cleaning.
Water, other than distilled water, may be too corrosive or
cause a build up of mineral deposits that can impair the
function of the sterilizer.
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9.
What separates us from other monitoring labs?
1) Convenience with "Auto-Ship
Reminder"
Unlike other boxed spore test kits, all Global Autoclave Compliance programs
have "Auto-Ship Reminder". This feature has each Spore Test Ampoule arrive
at your facility at the precise time the next test should be administered. Auto-ship
Reminder is the best method of removing the "out of sight, out of
mind" problem that plagues today's busy practices and studios.
2) Spore Population and
Quality
The Biological indicators used
by Global Autoclave Compliance provide the best assurance
of sterilization, by challenging the sterilizer with a highly
resistant spore in a quantifiably denser population . All
Biological Indicators are manufactured and tested in accordance
with ISO quality standard 11138:2003 and current USP standards.
3)
Design & Function
The unique ampoule design provides a challenge to steam penetration similar to that which would be encountered in restricted areas of instruments. The self contained design also greatly reduces the potential for sample contamination. This more challenging test varies greatly from the old glassine envelope used by other third party labs.
Meeting the highest standards
in the industry has never been so hassle-free and affordable.
Because...guesswork isn't good enough!
With regular monitoring
a Global Autoclave Compliance certificate promotes additional
confidence in the safety of your practice.
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