Dental Sterilizer Biological (Spore) Monitoring Log

Weekly inspection log for documenting biological indicator (spore) testing of dental sterilizers/autoclaves, reviewing results, and recording corrective actions for failed or positive tests.

Inspection Details

• Inspection date and time recorded
• Sterilizer identifier documented
  Record the autoclave or sterilizer ID, location, or asset tag used for this test.
• Operator or inspector name recorded
• Weekly biological indicator test performed
  Confirm that the sterilizer was tested this week with a biological indicator/spore test.

Biological Indicator Test Details

• Biological indicator lot or control number recorded
• Test package or indicator placed in the most challenging load location
  Verify the BI was placed according to the sterilizer manufacturer's instructions and facility SOP.
• Sterilization cycle parameters recorded
  Document cycle type, temperature, exposure time, and any other required cycle parameters.
• Incubation start and read time recorded
  Record when the biological indicator was placed into incubation and when the result was read.
• Control indicator result recorded
  Record the control result for the biological indicator test.

Test Result Review

• Biological indicator result
  Record the final spore test result for the sterilizer cycle.
• Result reviewed against acceptance criteria
  Confirm the result was compared to the manufacturer's instructions and facility acceptance criteria.
• Load released only after acceptable BI result
  Confirm no instruments from the tested load were released before a passing biological indicator result, if applicable to the process.
• Additional affected loads identified
  Indicate whether any other loads processed since the last acceptable BI test may be affected.

Corrective Action for Failed or Positive Tests

• Failed or positive result investigated immediately
  Confirm the positive/failed BI result triggered immediate investigation per facility procedure.
• Sterilizer removed from service pending resolution
  Confirm the sterilizer was taken out of service until the cause was identified and corrected, if required by policy.
• Affected instruments quarantined or reprocessed
  Confirm any potentially affected instruments were quarantined, recalled, or reprocessed as appropriate.
• Root cause documented
  Describe the suspected cause of the failed test, such as operator error, packaging issue, sterilizer malfunction, or loading error.
• Corrective action completed and verified
  Document the corrective action taken, the person responsible, and verification that the sterilizer returned to acceptable performance.

Documentation and Sign-off

• Supporting documentation attached
  Attach BI strip/photo, incubator printout, sterilizer cycle printout, and any corrective action records as applicable.
• Supervisor or infection control review completed
  Confirm review by the designated supervisor, infection control lead, or responsible manager.
• Inspector signature