OSE_1301_part2_Layout 1 1/11/13 10:58 AM Page 128
S T E R I L I Z A T I O N
A S S U R A N C E
2. Indicator selection
Chemical indicators are grouped in classes (1 through 6) based on the
parameters they measure. When deciding which indicator is best for
use at your facility, determine how many parameters it monitors. I'd
want at least a Class 4 indicator that monitors 2 or more of the critical
parameters (time, temperature and presence of steam). Class 4 indicators work well for packs that are less challenging to reprocess, such
as peel-packs or small instrument trays. Class 5 indicators, which simulate the reliability of a biological indicator but don't contain spores,
are best used in denser packs, rigid containers and multi-level instrument sets.
The somewhat recent introduction of Class 6 indicators — emulating indicators that are specific to a cycle type, temperature and exposure time — caused a great deal of confusion in practice, as many
facilities thought they could be used in place of biological indicators.
Carefully check an indicator's instructions for use, especially if
you're running numerous loads filled with various devices that must
be sterilized at different temperatures and exposure times, to know
for which cycle type the indicator has been validated. Materials managers are, understandably, very interested in saving your facility
money. But they might purchase less costly indicators that don't
measure what's needed. It's your responsibility to know everything
about the products brought into your facility, particularly when they
impact the sterility of your instruments.
1 2 8
O U T PAT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | J A N U A R Y 2013
