Question

Discuss what different information about sterility comes from either chemical and a biological indicator\ integrator. What is the difference between the two? 225/250 word discussion ( sterile processing for CST & SPD TECH

Answer 1

#. Chemical indicators

Physical or chemical devices employed to monitor one or more sterilization parameters for detecting failures in packaging, loading, sterilizer performance or steam characteristics. They do not prove the sterility of an item. Gives assurance for that proper conditions for sterilization we're present.

Are paper that has due that changes color in the presence of temperature and sterilants.

Most popular is the autoclave tape

#. Biologic indicator

A biologic indicator is a preparation of living spores that are resistant to the sterilizing agent. If sterilization has occurred the processed biological unit will not grow any microorganisms.

Biological indicators (BI)

Known populations of microorganisms in or an a carrier that has specific resistance to the mode of sterilization being monitored.

Ex: Bacillus stearothermophilus (gas plasma and peracetic acid sterilizers), Bacillus subtilis (EO).

+/- Biological Indicators

No growth, no color change, or no fluorescence demonstrates a (-) response. A (+) response is demonstrated by the appearance of cloudy-forming units, a color change, or fluorescence. All products process before the last (-) should be recalled.

Class 1: Process indicators

External indicators provide a visual indication of exposure of the package/item to the sterilizing agent

Class 2: Indicators for use in specific tests

Assessment of a specific function of the steam sterilizer (Bowie-Dick test)

Class 3: Single-variable indicators

Determine if a single parameter is being met, such as a sterilizer reaching the preset temp

Class 4: multi variable indicators

Designed to react to all sterilization parameters of the sterilizing process (temperature and exposure to sterilant)

Class 5: Integrating indicators

Designed to react to all sterilization parameters.

Most accurate of the internal chemical indicators and

Used as pack control monitoring (challenge test pack)

Class 6: Emulating Indicators

Designed to react to all sterilization parameters of a specific sterilization cycle