Why is sterilizer monitoring necessary? What types of sterilizer monitoring are available? Why use a sterilizer monitoring service? What is the difference between a one-strip and a two-strip test? What can cause a positive test?
Common causes of sterilization failure are a leaky autoclave gasket, overloading of the autoclave, and the failure of the autoclave to complete a full cycle. All of these situations prevent the sterilizer from reaching and maintaining the proper temperature and pressure for successful sterilization. If your sterilizer has had two consecutive positive tests, we recommend that a technician service your instrument before continuing with normal sterilization procedures.