SMS Spore Testing Video Transcript

Welcome from the Sterilization Monitoring Service!

  • Since 1982, SMS has been dedicated to providing reliable spore testing services. Our mission is to provide you with testing, documentation, and peace of mind regarding your sterilizer.
  • Our spore testing service monitors your sterilizer’s performance and supplies the necessary documentation to comply with the weekly testing requirements mandated set by the state of Ohio.
  • This video includes the following: a review of your test envelope, the details on your account label, the information you need to add to the envelope, and instructions on how to test and mail your spore strip.
  • First, let’s look at the test envelope to review its color, pockets, and label, as well as how to complete it accurately for processing.
  • The color of the envelope indicates the type of sterilizer being tested. Your envelope will either be red, gray, or green.
  • Ensure the envelope color matches the sterilizer you are testing.
    - Red is for steam sterilizers or autoclaves, gray is for dry heat ovens, and green is for
    chemiclaves. If you receive the wrong color envelope, please contact SMS.
  • On the back of the envelope, you will find two pockets.
    - The left pocket is sealed and contains one control spore strip packet. This pocket is labeled
    “CONTROL STRIP --- do not sterilize”. Do not open this pocket or remove the control strip
    packet.
    - The Right pocket is open and unsealed and contains one test spore strip packet. Remove
    the test strip packet from this pocket, process it in your sterilizer, and then return it to this
    pocket before mailing.
  • Each envelope has a barcode label. When you receive your test envelopes, each one will be prelabeled. The label contains specific information related to your account and sterilizer. Before using any envelopes, verify all label information is correct and matches with the sterilizer being tested. If the label information is incorrect, please contact SMS.
  • The printed label includes the following information: SMS number, account name, barcode, spore expiration date, equipment ID and model of unit being tested. To review the label information, let’s take a look at this example of the SMS envelope.
    - SMS number - The number assigned to your account (e.g., SMS #11)
    - Account name - The name of the client or practice (e.g., College of dentistry, SMS)
    - Barcode - Contains your unique account information for efficient processing.
    - Spore expiration date - The expiration date of the spore strip (e.g., 12.3.2025). Before using
    the envelope, confirm that it has not expired; an expired spore strip will not be processed in
    the SMS lab.
    - Equipment ID - A letter & number assigned to each sterilizer (e.g., A1 for autoclave 1). The
    letter indicates type of equipment (A, C, or D), and the number indicates the quantity (1 is
    the 1st unit, 2 is the 2nd unit, etc.)
    - Model - The manufacturer and model of the sterilizer (e.g., Midmark M9)
  • You must fill-in the requested information on the envelope to ensure accurate documentation is entered into your account.
  • Back of the envelope
    - Operator name - print the name of person who processed the spore test & prepared
    envelope
    - Month and day - enter the month & day the spore test is processed in your sterilizer
    - Check box - if using a loaner unit, mark this box
    - QR code - scan this code for easy access to the SMS Quick Guide instructions
  • Front of the envelope
    - On the left side, add the return address label or print the return address
    - On the right side, place a postage stamp in the white box
  • Next, let’s review how to test and mail your spore strip packet
    - From the right open pocket of the test envelope, remove the spore strip packet.
    - Package the spore strip packet in a cassette, a bag, or a pouch to be sterilized along with a
    chemical integrator strip and seal the pouch.
    - Place the pouch with the spore strip packet in the middle of your sterilizer and run the
    sterilizer using a normal cycle; remove the pouch when the sterilizer cycle is complete.
    - Remove the spore strip packet from the sterilizer pouch. Verify the chemical integrator strip has passed. In this example, the integrator has turned blue indicating that the criteria for sterilization has been met.
    - Place the spore strip packet in the right open pocket and seal the envelope flap.
    - Before mailing, confirm the following has been added:
         - On the front of the envelope, the return address and postage.
         - On back of the envelope, month, day and operator information.
         - Mail the test envelope on the same day the spore test is processed
  • On behalf of SMS, thank you for watching this video. Please refer to the SMS quick guide for additional information on the instructions provided.