CSA CANADIAN STANDARDS ASSOCIATION
Plus 1112, March 2004 - Infection prevention and control in office-based health care and allied services.
Biological Indicator monitoring: "4.8 Using BIs with steam sterilizers: BIs used with steam sterilizers are impregnated with Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores. For the best assurance that a sterilizer is working correctly, it should be tested with a BI every day that it is to be used and with every cycle that will be used that day."
Chemical Indicator monitoring: “An internal chemical indicator shall be placed inside each package, rigid sterilization container, or bundle that is undergoing sterilization. The class of indicator shall be chosen based on the parameters being measured and the degree of precision that is needed.”
Bowie-Dick Monitoring: 13.10.3 “Sterilizers used for flash sterilization shall be commissioned, routinely tested, and maintained as specified in Clauses 12 and 14. The following tests shall be performed every day the sterilizer is on hand for routine or emergency use:
(a) biological indicator test, using a PCD; and
(b) air-detection test [Bowie-Dick test], for dynamic air-removal-type sterilizers.”
* “Reproduced with the permission of Canadian Standards Association from CSA Z314.3-09 - Effective sterilization in health care facilities by the steam process which is copyrighted by CSA, 5060 Spectrum Way, Mississauga ON, L4W 5N6 Canada. While use of this material has been authorized, CSA shall not be responsible for the manner in which the information is presented, nor for any interpretations thereof. For more information on CSA or to purchase standards, please visit our website at www.shopcsa.ca or call 1-800-463-6727”.
RCDSO ROYAL COLLEGE OF DENTAL SURGEONS OF ONTARIO
Biological Indicator monitoring: "3. Biological indicators (BIs or spore tests) are the most accepted means for monitoring of sterilization, because they directly assess the procedure's effectiveness in killing the most resistant micro-organisms. The spores used are more resistant and present in greater numbers than the common microbial contaminants found on patient care items. Therefore, an inactivated BI signifies that other potential pathogens in the load have been killed. Include a BI each day a sterilizer is used. In addition, if a load contains implantable devices, it must be monitored with a BI, and these items should be quarantined until the test results are known. Follow the manufacturer's directions concerning the appropriate placement of the BI in the sterilizer."
Chemical Indicator monitoring: “For these reasons, each package must have external chemical indicators. In addition, it is recommended that both internal and external chemical indicators be used to detect penetration into the package.”
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