Over 1,000 million dollars Autoclave QC Steam Sterilizers should be validated periodically to ensure their performance, loading practices, and cycle time settings. Inadequate steam treatment could result in laboratory personnel being exposed to potentially infectious agents. Tests for sterility should be conducted at least once every six months with spore strips or other biological indicator ampules. These indicators should be placed as close to the center of the load as possible. Test ampules may be attached to a wire or string to permit their easy recovery after sterilization.
Chemical indicators are also available and provide immediate feedback on the process.
Any failure of validation should result in an immediate review of autoclave loading practices and cycle time settings. Poster OSEH is developing a glove poster to advise the research community on prudent practices. Distribution will be this spring. The federal government says millions of foreign-made extension cords, power strips and surge protectors may contain faulty wiring or loose connections that pose serious dangers. The Consumer Product Safety Commission put out a warning yesterday urging everyone to inspect their cords, power strips and surge protectors.