Sterilization Monitoring To Do List

Educate the Staff

Make certain that your entire office staff understands the importance of weekly testing, and that weekly testing is mandated by many states including Ohio.

Assign One Person

Assign one dependable staff member to take responsibility for weekly testing. The dentist should periodically review the testing records with this staff person to ensure weekly testing is taking place, and that all testing documentation is in order.

Establish a Routine & Use a Testing Calendar

Plan to test each piece of sterilization equipment on the same day of the week, each week of the month. Pick a testing day early in the week (Monday or Tuesday), in case the assigned staff member is absent, and the normal testing day is missed. Use a calendar to keep track of weekly test dates. Indicate on the calendar the date of testing, who performed the spore test and the mail date. Also indicate on the calendar a reminder of when to re-order
spore tests and checmical indicator strips.

Use Type 5 Chemical Indicator Strips

For each steam sterilizer cycle, use a Type 5 chemical indicator strip in each packet to verify that all critical sterilization parameters (temperature, time and pressure) were reached for sterilization.

Mail Tests Promptly

Always mail tests on the same day the equipment was tested.

Maintain a Failure Log

Keep a log of all test failures and document the remedial action taken.

Review Reports

It is the responsibility of the dentist to review each monthly report. If there are any discrepancies between  the number of tests submitted and the number of tests processed, contact your monitoring service promptly.

Review Problems

It is the responsibility of the dentist to periodically meet with the staff person assigned to testing in order to review failures, equipment problems and staff education.

Report to Staff

Request that the staff person assigned to perform the weekly testing report on failures and the monitoring of equipment at scheduled staff meetings.

File & Retain Reports

Keep all sterilization monitoring monthly reports in one accessible file. Records requirements vary by state. In Ohio, if the office is inspected, all pertinent information must be on the premises. In Ohio, all biological monitoring reports must be retained for at least 2 years.