Question

explain quality-assurance logs related to sterilization procedures.

Answer 1

Solution:

In practical field, maintenance of log book is a much essential thing as it exhibits each and every step involved in a procedure and their related parameters in an effective way for a long period of time. Herein sterilization technique also needs that log. There are three major parameters need to be monitored and record related to the sterilization process for quality assurance purposes. Those includes

1. Physical or mechanical properties

These include the cycle time, pressure and temperature in the sterilization chamber. This can be achieved by observing the display for the correctness of the system with regard to the protocol needs to be followed for different kind of materials.

2. Chemical parameters

Chemical parameters need to assess and record in case of those that are sensible to heat during the sterilization technique. The changes in response depend on many parameters including temperature, presence of steam or processing time of the samples. Chemical indicator includes autoclave tapes or sterilization bag that need to be monitored in the sterilization procedure to get the information for the correctness of the technique and protocol followed for sterilization.

3. Biological indicators (spore test)

Biological indicators are high resistant living organism that are impregnated on strips or in vials to monitor the sterilization process and as per the recent guidelines this parameters need to be thoroughly checked as the failed result corresponds to the sterilization failed indication.

If physical and chemical parameters are fine for a particular sterilization process and biological screening has failed there must be requirement of a second evaluation for the confirmation of the effectiveness of the sterilization process

Hence all the parameters should be thoroughly maintained in the sterilization process and quality assurance log should be properly maintained with regard to all the above mentioned properties.