IADR Abstract Archives
The Efficacy of Statim Autoclaves at WOHC
Objectives: It is vital that Oral health Center autoclaves be tested regularly to ensure that they are operating at a temperature and pressure that will kill all microorganisms. The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of Statim Autoclaves sterilization cycles, as measured by chemical and biological indicators.
Methods: The study was conducted at the Wits Oral Health Centre (WOHC), Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital. All five Statim autoclaves at WOHC were included in the study. The autoclaves wrapped and unwrapped sterilization cycles efficiency were tested using the Mesa EZTest self-contained biological indicators, the Pro-Chem chemical indicators and an autoclave tape. The sterilization cycles were tested twice a day, in morning and afternoon over a period of four days. After completion of each cycle, the chemical indicators were observed for colour change and the biological indicators were incubated at 57°C. Following incubation growth was observed.
Results: Statim autoclaves number R1, P2A and P2B showed 100% success rate for both wrapped and unwrapped cycles, S1 had 0% success rate for both wrapped and unwrapped cycles and S2 had 85.71% success rate for both wrapped and unwrapped cycles. Overall, the results showed that of the five Statim autoclaves tested, 60% (n=3) had effective sterilization cycles and 40% (n=2) had at least one failed sterilization cycles. There was no difference in the performance of the autoclaves in the morning and afternoon.
Conclusions: The results showed that majority of the Statim autoclaves were effective in sterilizing dental instruments. Autoclaves that are not effective could lead to cross infections to patients and health care workers. Hence regular monitoring of autoclaves using biological and chemical indicators is essential.
Methods: The study was conducted at the Wits Oral Health Centre (WOHC), Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital. All five Statim autoclaves at WOHC were included in the study. The autoclaves wrapped and unwrapped sterilization cycles efficiency were tested using the Mesa EZTest self-contained biological indicators, the Pro-Chem chemical indicators and an autoclave tape. The sterilization cycles were tested twice a day, in morning and afternoon over a period of four days. After completion of each cycle, the chemical indicators were observed for colour change and the biological indicators were incubated at 57°C. Following incubation growth was observed.
Results: Statim autoclaves number R1, P2A and P2B showed 100% success rate for both wrapped and unwrapped cycles, S1 had 0% success rate for both wrapped and unwrapped cycles and S2 had 85.71% success rate for both wrapped and unwrapped cycles. Overall, the results showed that of the five Statim autoclaves tested, 60% (n=3) had effective sterilization cycles and 40% (n=2) had at least one failed sterilization cycles. There was no difference in the performance of the autoclaves in the morning and afternoon.
Conclusions: The results showed that majority of the Statim autoclaves were effective in sterilizing dental instruments. Autoclaves that are not effective could lead to cross infections to patients and health care workers. Hence regular monitoring of autoclaves using biological and chemical indicators is essential.