Sterile Processing Daily QA

AAMI ST79 daily quality verification of sterilizer (autoclave) operations including biological indicators and Bowie-Dick test.

Daily Test Verification

• Bowie-Dick test completed for pre-vacuum steam sterilizer
  Confirm the Bowie-Dick test was performed on the required schedule and the result is acceptable with no evidence of air removal failure.
• Biological indicator result reviewed and acceptable
  Verify the biological indicator result for the applicable cycle or load is negative/acceptable before release, per facility policy and device IFU.

Cycle Parameter Review

• Cycle type matches load and packaging requirements
  Verify the selected cycle is appropriate for the load contents, packaging configuration, and sterilization method used.
• Exposure temperature recorded within acceptable range
  Record the sterilization exposure temperature and confirm it meets the validated cycle parameters.
• Exposure time recorded within acceptable range
  Record the exposure time and confirm it meets the validated cycle parameters for the selected load type.
• Drying phase completed and load is dry
  Confirm the cycle completed the drying phase and the load is visibly dry with no wet packs or condensation.

Load Release and Traceability

• Load identification documented
  Confirm the load number, sterilizer ID, date/time, and operator identification are recorded.
• Chemical indicator changed appropriately
  Verify external and internal chemical indicators changed as expected for the completed cycle.
• Load released only after all required criteria met
  Confirm the load was not released until cycle parameters, indicators, and required test results were acceptable.

Documentation and Sign-off

• Sterilizer log completed for the shift
  Verify the daily sterilizer log includes all required entries and is free of unexplained gaps.
• Deficiencies documented and escalated
  Record any non-conformance, corrective action, and escalation to the supervisor or competent person.
• Inspector signature
  Signature of the person completing the daily QA verification.