Performance evaluation of chemical, biological and physical indicators in the process of sterilization under the effect of non-condensable gases. (February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rodrigues, S.B.; de Souza, R.Q.; Graziano, K.U.; Erzinger, G.S.; Souza, O.
• Is Part Of: Journal of hospital infection. Volume 108(2021)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 6
• Publication Date: 2021-02
• Subjects: Steam -- Sterilization -- Monitoring -- Non-condensable gases -- Air detector; Cross infection -- Periodicals; Cross infection -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Nosocomial infections -- Periodicals; Nosocomial infections -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Cross Infection -- Periodicals; Cross Infection -- prevention & control -- Periodicals; Infection Control -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 614.44
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2020.11.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0195-6701

Abstract

Summary: Background: The risk concerning the presence of non-condensable gases (NCGs) has already been demonstrated, but routine monitoring still requires further research to be implemented in each sterilization cycle. Aim: Performance evaluation of the physical, chemical and biological indicators used in monitoring in comparison with a sterilizer integrated detector for NCG in the Sterilization Process. Methods: Chemical indicators (type 2 Bowie–Dick test, type 5 and type 6 models), self-contained biological indicators and physical indicators (temperature, pressure, thermal qualification and a patented integrated air detector) were used to monitor the steam sterilization process in two situations of controlled failure: chamber leakage and door seal failure. This controlled failure was obtained by the presence of a known amount of air: 0–30 L/min for chamber leakage and 0–30% for the door seal failure. Evaluation tests were carried out with and without the use of process challenge devices (PCDs). Findings: In both studies, the Bowie-Dick Test showed different results, according to the manufacturer. The biological, physical or chemical indicators without a PCD were unable to detect small volumes of NCGs in both simulations. Conclusion: The integrated air detector can be considered an option for the detection of NCGs in each cycle.