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Biologic Sterilizer Monitoring:
Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
Faculty of Dentistry, Dalhousie University
Est. 1994

What is Biologic Sterilizer Monitoring ?

• The monitoring of heat sterilizers using a biologic indicator to test the effectiveness of the sterilizer in killing microbial life.
• The only true test of Effective Sterilization.

How does the Biologic Sterilizer Monitoring Service Work?

• Subscribers to the service receive a year's supply of test forms and biologic indicator test strips. The biologic indicators are filter paper strips impregnated with spores of Geobacillus stearothermophilus and Bacillus atrophaeus enclosed in a glassine envelope.
• The biological indicator is placed in a typical sterilization load.
• At the end of the sterilization cycle, the biologic indicator test along with an unprocessed control is mailed to the Monitoring Service for culturing.
• Positive results, indicative of ineffective sterilization, are called to the office immediately and are verified by a gram stain.

What can the Biologic Sterilizer Monitoring Service Offer?

• Biologic Monitoring of autoclaves, chemiclaves and dry heat sterilizers;
• Steam sterilization results in 24 hours;
• Quality Assurance by an independent laboratory;
• Help with troubleshooting;
• A Summary Report and Certificate of Participation at the end of the subscription year;
• Total Confidentiality;

Biologic Sterilizer Monitoring in Review

• After sixteen years of operation, the service has performed more than 25,500 routine tests for Subscribers.
• Sterilizers tested include autoclaves, chemiclaves and dry heat sterilizers. The overall sterilization failure rate has been 0.86%.
• All failed tests were repeated and 14% of the sterilizers retested positive suggesting equipment malfunction. The remaining 86% retested negative indicative of a load processing problem.
• Routine Biologic Monitoring by Subscribers to the service resulted in early detection of sterilization failures, allowing corrective measures to be taken.