Steam sterilization control indicators
Microorganisms are destroyed using steam under pressure. There are special steam sterilizers, or autoclaves, that are used for this purpose.
This method of equipment sterilization is used in hospitals, chemical laboratories, pharmaceutical enterprises, and other industries.Medical equipment that comes into direct contact with the human body is subjected to steam treatment. This refers to wound surfaces and mucous membranes. Injectable preparations must be sterilized, as well as certain products made of textiles, metal, rubber, and glass if they come into contact with the patient's mucous membranes. This includes bandages, gloves, catheters, and surgical instruments.
The processing of medical products is the most important measure for controlling nosocomial infections. This process must be monitored to ensure it is carried out at the proper level.
Requirements for such control are specified in documents from the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. According to the instructions, sterilization must be checked using measuring instruments such as thermometers, timers, and manometers. Additionally, chemical indicators must be used.
These two methods allow for a fairly quick assessment of sterilization. However, for full control, bacteriological methods must also be used to guarantee proper steam or other types of equipment processing and the absence of untreated products.
In the second half of the 20th century, chemical substances were synthesized that change color when the ambient temperature changes over a certain period of time. The use of these indicators makes it possible to determine that the sterilization temperature is at the required level and that the procedure lasts the prescribed time.
There are also more complex chemical substances - indicators that evaluate critical parameters during sterilization, i.e., steam saturation, temperature, and procedure duration.
Devices that control sterilization are hermetically sealed glass tubes with a diameter of 6.1 mm. They are called temperature witnesses. Chemical substances are poured into them, which change their color when the ambient temperature reaches 120°C; 132°C; 180°C.
When released, the indicator devices are placed in a cardboard box of 400 pieces. Those tubes intended for analyzing lower heat levels can be stored for 2 years, the rest for 3 years.
