Sterilization Monitoring

Sterilization Monitoring Supplies for Clinics in BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan

Alpha Scientific Repair Services Ltd supplies biological indicators, chemical integrators, chemical indicator strips and process challenge devices to dental, medical, veterinary and lab facilities. We're based in Surrey, BC, our mobile autoclave service covers BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan, and we're an authorized Tuttnauer and Flight Clave dealer. That means one team can help with your sterilizer and the products you use to monitor it.

How to choose sterilization monitoring products

A sterilization monitoring program usually has three layers. Physical monitoring is the cycle printout or data record. Chemical monitoring uses indicators in or on each package. Biological monitoring uses spore tests. Each layer checks something different, so most programs use all three.

Biological indicators (spore tests)

Biological indicators (BIs) contain a known population of highly resistant Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores. If they don't grow after a cycle and incubation, that's direct evidence the cycle killed the spores. We carry self-contained 24-hour BI vials for in-office incubation, including the Terragene Bionova BT-20, 100-vial spore testing packs and Smart-Read EZ Test BIs for Smart-Well incubators. For clinics starting in-office testing, the Sporeview In Office Testing Kit includes an incubator, a 25-vial pack of BIs and a log book.

Chemical indicators: Class 4, Class 5 and Class 6

Chemical indicators (CIs) change colour or show a moving front when they're exposed to sterilization conditions. ISO 11140-1 sorts them into types (often called classes):

Class (Type) 4, multi-variable: responds to two or more critical variables. Example: Germiphene Chemdye Steam Strips.
Class (Type) 5, integrating indicators: respond to all critical steam variables (time, temperature and saturated steam). Many provincial standards call for them inside each wrapped package or cassette. Examples: Germiphene Class 5 Integrator (250/bag), Terragene Integron IT26-C and Terragene T26-1YS.
Class (Type) 6, emulating indicators: made for specific cycle values. Call us if your standard requires them.

Chemical indicators give an immediate result for each package. They don't replace biological indicators.

Process challenge devices and Bowie-Dick testing

A process challenge device (PCD) puts the indicator in a spot that's harder for steam to reach than your typical load. We stock the Tuttnauer PCD (WTL198-0077), which can be used in gravity or pre/post-vacuum autoclaves. A Bowie-Dick test is a daily air-removal test for pre-vacuum (dynamic air removal) sterilizers. It's run in an empty chamber before the first load. Call us for Bowie-Dick test options that suit your sterilizer.

How often should you spore test?

How often you need to run biological indicator tests depends on your province and your profession. Some Canadian colleges require daily BI testing. Others require weekly testing, and some require an external lab. Most also require a BI in every load that contains implantable devices, and repeat testing after repairs or relocation. Follow the requirements of your provincial regulatory college and the applicable IPAC guidance, plus your sterilizer and indicator manufacturers' instructions for use. A consistent, documented monitoring routine supports inspection readiness.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between a biological indicator and a chemical indicator?

A biological indicator uses live spores and needs incubation, so it shows whether the cycle actually killed resistant microorganisms. A chemical indicator reacts to physical conditions such as time, temperature and steam and gives an immediate result for each package. Most monitoring programs use both.

Is a Class 5 integrator a replacement for spore testing?

No. Class 5 integrators are an in-pack check. Biological testing is still needed at the frequency your college or IPAC guidance sets.

Do I need a Bowie-Dick test?

If you run a pre-vacuum (dynamic air removal) sterilizer, you'll typically run a Bowie-Dick test each day before the first load. Gravity sterilizers don't use it. Check your sterilizer's manual.

What happens if a spore test fails?

Typically you stop using the sterilizer, retest, and follow your recall procedure for affected loads. Our technicians service autoclaves across BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan and can inspect and repair the unit.