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When the biological indicator is positive: investigating autoclave failures
E A Bryce1, F J Roberts, B Clements
1Division of Medical Microbiology, Vancouver Hospital and Health Sciences Centre, BC, Canada.
Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology
|October 6, 1997
Summary
Blocked steam traps caused positive biological indicators in hospital autoclaves. This investigation led to a new protocol for managing positive biological indicators to ensure sterilization effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare-associated infection control
- Sterilization monitoring
- Hospital engineering
Background:
- Positive biological indicators in steam autoclaves indicate potential sterilization failures.
- Consistent positive results across multiple hospital departments suggest a systemic issue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the root cause of recurrent positive biological indicators in hospital steam autoclaves.
- To develop and describe a management protocol for positive biological indicators.
Main Methods:
- Investigated steam autoclaves across different hospital departments.
- Traced positive biological indicators to a common source.
- Analyzed building condensate lines and steam traps.
Main Results:
- Identified blocked steam traps on building condensate lines as the source of the problem.
- Established a clear link between steam trap function and autoclave efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Blocked steam traps are a critical, yet often overlooked, cause of sterilization failures.
- Implementing a proactive management protocol for biological indicators is essential for patient safety.
