Ot sterilization chart method
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operating theatre sterilization log chart autoclave monitoring chemical biological indicators guidance
OT sterilization chart method
An OT sterilization chart is a record of each sterilizer cycle. It documents that the load reached the required parameters and passed mechanical, chemical, and biological monitoring.
Use a separate entry for every load.
| Date | Sterilizer ID | Load/cycle no. | Contents | Method/cycle | Time | Temperature | Pressure | Chemical indicator | Biological indicator | Operator/signature | Release/remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 Oct 2026 | Autoclave 1 | 026 | Major OT instrument sets | Steam, pre-vacuum | 4 min exposure | 132-135°C | As per machine cycle | Internal and external CI passed | Weekly BI pending / negative | Name/sign | Released |
| 22 Oct 2026 | Autoclave 1 | 027 | Linen packs | Steam, gravity displacement | 30 min exposure | 121°C | As per machine cycle | Passed | N/A | Name/sign | Released |
How to complete it
-
Before the cycle
- Check cleaning, drying, correct packing, labeling, load arrangement, water/steam supply, and machine readiness.
- Record the load number and contents.
-
During or after the cycle: record mechanical parameters
- For steam sterilization, document the cycle’s time, temperature, and pressure from the printout/display.
- Ensure these meet the sterilizer and pack manufacturer’s validated instructions. Do not rely on one universal time-temperature setting for every item.
-
Check chemical indicators for every pack/load
- Use an external indicator on every pack, unless an internal indicator is visible.
- Place an internal chemical indicator in each package or tray.
- Record “pass” only if the indicator reaches its stated endpoint.
-
Biological indicator or spore test
- Use at least weekly, and preferably according to the hospital infection-control policy and manufacturer instructions.
- For implant loads, use a biological indicator and quarantine the implant until the result is negative whenever feasible.
- Record BI lot number, date, incubation/result, and the control result.
-
Release or reject the load
- Release only when mechanical readings and chemical indicators are satisfactory.
- If parameters or indicators fail, mark the load NOT RELEASED, quarantine it, investigate the sterilizer/packing/loading issue, and reprocess instruments after correction.
- A positive biological indicator requires the department’s recall and corrective-action protocol.
Daily Bowie-Dick test chart
For a pre-vacuum steam sterilizer, perform and document a daily Bowie-Dick air-removal test before processing routine loads.
| Date | Sterilizer ID | Test pack/lot no. | Result | Operator | Corrective action if failed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 Oct 2026 | Autoclave 1 | BD-118 | Pass | Name/sign | Nil |
A failed Bowie-Dick test suggests inadequate air removal or a vacuum leak. Do not use the sterilizer for routine loads until evaluated and cleared.
Key principle
A chemical tape changing color does not itself prove sterility. Monitoring should combine:
- Mechanical: time, temperature, pressure
- Chemical: external and internal indicators
- Biological: spore testing
This is consistent with CDC sterilizing-practice guidance, which recommends routine use of all three types of monitoring. The CDC summary recommendations also advises mechanical and chemical monitoring for each load and at least weekly biological-indicator monitoring.
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