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Evaluation of a Rapid Readout Biological Indicator for 121°C Gravity and 132°C Vacuum-Assisted Steam Sterilization Cycles

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2015

Donald Vesley ,
Melissa A. Nellis  and
Paul B. Allwood
Donald Vesley*
Affiliation:
School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Melissa A. Nellis
Affiliation:
School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Paul B. Allwood
Affiliation:
School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
*
Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Box 807 Mayo, 420 Delaware St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455
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Abstract

Objective:

A biological indicator (BI), based on fluorescent detection of a spore-associated enzyme, has been developed. We evaluated the new BI against five conventional self-contained BIs in a 121°C gravity-displacement sterilizer and, packaged in towel packs and disposable steam test packs, in a 132°C vacuum-assisted sterilizer.

Design:

In the 121°C gravity-displacement sterilizer, rapid readout BIs and conventional BIs were tested together in an otherwise empty chamber. Exposure times were 5, 10, and 15 minutes. In the 132°C vacuum-assisted steam sterilizer, BIs were contained in towel packs or disposable steam test packs. Surgical packs were added to represent a full load. Exposure times were 0, 1, and 2 minutes.

Result:

In gravity-displacement 5-minute cycles, the rapid readout BIs yielded 100% positive results within 30 minutes. The conventional BIs ranged from 72% to 100% positive in 48 hours. At 10 minutes, the rapid readout BIs were 83% positive after 3 hours, whereas the conventional BIs ranged from 0% to 37% positive after 48 hours. All indicators were negative after 15-minute exposures. In vacuum-assisted cycles, all indicators were negative after 3 minutes. After 1-minute exposures, the rapid readout BIs were 40% to 60% positive, whereas the conventional BIs were 15% to 20% positive.

Conclusion:

The rapid readout BIs are a more sensitive indicator of marginal steam sterilization cycles than conventional selfcontained BIs. They yield results within 3 hours, as compared to 24 to 48 hours for the conventional BIs.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology , Volume 16 , Issue 5 , May 1995 , pp. 281 - 286
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America 1995

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