{"id":22,"date":"2013-07-29T02:49:57","date_gmt":"2013-07-29T02:49:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/learn.sterilizers.com\/?p=22"},"modified":"2013-10-10T01:26:34","modified_gmt":"2013-10-10T01:26:34","slug":"how-do-i-know-my-sterilizer-works","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/learn.sterilizers.com\/blog\/how-do-i-know-my-sterilizer-works\/","title":{"rendered":"I Want to Keep My Patients Safe – How Do I Know My Sterilizer Works?"},"content":{"rendered":"
Terrible events like these may leave you asking yourself, \u201cHow do I know my sterilizer works?\u201d We understand how important this question is to you.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re a doctor, dentist, laboratory technician or even a tattoo artist, you want to maintain a safe work environment. When dealing with potentially hazardous biological substances, you want to be sure that your sterilization procedures are effective.<\/p>\n We know that patient safety is your number one priority. Fortunately, maintaining a clean and safe working environment is not difficult. Here we have gathered answers to frequently asked questions about sterilizers and workplace safety to help put your mind at ease.<\/p>\n The only way to be sure that your sterilizer is working properly is to test it. It\u2019s a simple procedure, you just place a paper filter strip inside the sterilizer and allow it to incubate. The results will let you know if your sterilizer is working.<\/p>\n At the minimum, you should test your sterilizer monthly, but weekly testing is also common. Additionally, you should test your sterilizer under the following conditions:<\/p>\n Yes, you should keep records for FDA compliance<\/a> purposes and to legally protect yourself. Keep your records in a log sheet that includes the date, duration of the cycle, maximum temperature, the operator\u2019s initials, and the results of the test. Keep these records as long as your keep client records.<\/p>\n Absolutely! Guidelines will help you maintain a safe working environment. Remember, it all comes down to patient safety. Your staff and patients are counting on your to keep them safe. Written procedures will ensure clarity and help you train new employees to work safely and effectively.<\/p>\n Review the draft guidance by the FDA<\/a> and the guidelines from the CDC<\/a> for recommendations. When developing your in-house guidelines, try to get input from as many sources as possible during the review period. Be sure to review the FDA and CDC guidelines regularly and update your procedures as necessary.<\/p>\n Hopefully we\u2019ve thoroughly answered the question, \u201cHow do I know my sterilizer works?\u201d and so much more. If you\u2019d like to know more about sterilizers check out our article about the history of sterilization equipment<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you still have questions, know that Sterilizers.com<\/a> is the one stop resource for all your sterilization needs. We sell, repair, and provide parts for all kinds of sterilizers. We have the most experience in the country and can answer all of your questions.<\/p>\n<\/a>A few months ago, there was a scare in Oklahoma where over 7,000 patients had to be tested for HIV and Hepatitis due to improper sterilization procedures at a dental clinic (http:\/\/www.nypost.com<\/a>). Thankfully, events like these are rare, but it really shows the importance of following an effective sterilization procedure.<\/p>\n
How Do I Know My Sterilizer Works?<\/h2>\n
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Should I Keep Written Records?<\/h2>\n
Should I Develop Written Sterilization Procedures?<\/h2>\n
How Can I Develop Effective Sterilization Best Practices?<\/h2>\n
What If I Need More Information?<\/h2>\n