Question

A surgical technologist working in the central sterile processing department is asked to rush the steam sterilizer (autoclave) with a biological monitor for the first load of the day without any instrument trays or items.

1) Which type of bacteria would be used to test the autoclave?

2) Which characteristics of the species used to determine whether sterility was achieved when autoclaved?

3) What must be done with the bacterial sample after it is processed in the sterilizer?

4) Do the Bacteria used for biological testing of sterilizers pose any threat to humans?

5) If the biological indicator showed positive growth following the process in question 3, what would have to be done?

Answer 1

1.In order to test the autoclave the type of bacteria which is commonly used in the central sterile processing unit belongs to bacillus groups like Bacillus stearothermophillus, Geobacillus

2.The characteristics of the species which determines whether the sterility achieved when autoclave are

• The germination of the spores can be observed during the incubation period or when it us incubated
• The pH sensitive chemical has certain color if it's is not sterile this colour pH changes

3.After the sample is processed it is discarded as biological hazards though it is not effective in causing infection as per the policy and protocol of the organization.

4.If they are killed then there is no risk for human to get an infection from it.

5.In case if it is positive the following has to be carried out

• Inspect the sterilizer for any fault ,technical error or operative error because this error can cause positive report
• Repeat the spore test, if positive then remove the sterilizer unit and send it for assessment and checking process and repair to the service department .Then subject the sterilizer for three consecutive spore test to find it is negative and then send to the CSSD for further use.