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Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should I test my sterilizer?
2. Is load capacity a concern?
3. What happens if my sterilzation cycle is interrupted?
4. What is the proper time cycle?
5. What temperature do most sterilizers operate at?
6. Is low pressure a concern?
7. Is my machine venting properly?
8. Is tap-water okay for my sterilizer?
9. What separates us from other monitoring labs?
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
1. How often should I test my sterilizer?
2. Is load capacity a concern?
3. What happens if my sterilzation cycle is interrupted?
4. What is the proper time cycle?
5. What temperature do most sterilizers operate at?
6. Is low pressure a concern?
7. Is my machine venting properly?
8. Is tap-water okay for my sterilizer?
9. What separates us from other monitoring labs?
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
| Click Photo to return to... What You Need to Know About Biological Monitoring |
| Click Map for the National Monitoring Guidelines for Dental Practices |
| Click Photo to return to... 3 Facts you Need to Know About Spore Testing |
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