After we run our sterilizer through its cycle, and we remove the packaged instruments from the interior....... we should notice that there is a color change evident somewhere on the packaging material. It is either a word or an arrow or some indication. What exactly does this mean??? In many of the dental offices that we visit, the impression from the employees is that they think that this means that the instruments in the packet are sterile.
In fact, the color change is only measuring one of the necessary parameters for sterilization. In most cases this is only measuring that the heat or temperature has reached the desired level for the appropriate amount of time. For dental and medical procedures we need both the temperature and a sufficient pressure for a period of time to effect a proper sterilization.
This can only be measure by some form of spore testing. Please note that there are specific federal and state guidelines for the documetation and frequency of spore testing.
Please contact us at Dynamic Dental Safety for some of the specifics in the requirements for compliance for your area at (888) 669-8846 ext. 701
