Sterilization Documentation and Monitoring
Accurate documentation and consistent monitoring are vital for patient safety.
Required Documentation for Each Sterilized Item
The following must be documented and traceable for every sterilized item:
- LOT Control Number
- Load/Cycle Number
- Date
- Time
Instrument Tracking System
- Traceability: Items should be traceable from the sterilization method back to the patient who received them.
- CDC Requirements: The CDC mandates reporting infection rates for certain procedures (e.g., total joint replacements, colon surgeries). This tracking can assist infectious disease specialists in identifying commonalities in outbreaks.
Spore Testing (Biological Indicators)
- Bacillus Atropheus (BA): Required for Ethylene Oxide (EtO) and Dry Heat sterilization. A helpful mnemonic is “DRY EOBA” (Dry Heat, EtO, Bacillus Atropheus).
- Geobacillus Stearothermophilus (Geo Stearo): Required for all other sterilization methods that are NOT dry or EtO. This includes Pre-Vac/Dynamic steam, Gravity steam, Plasma, Ozone, and Peracetic Acid.