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Spore test incubator
Also called: biological indicator incubator, BI incubator
A small warmer that grows spore tests to show whether a sterilizer worked.
A spore test (biological indicator) holds harmless but very tough bacterial spores. After the test goes through a sterilizer cycle, it sits in an incubator (a small warmer) along with an unprocessed control from the same lot. If the sterilizer worked, the test shows no growth while the control does grow. Some offices mail their tests to a lab instead.
How to spot it
- A small block-shaped warmer with wells that hold test vials, often with a light or color change readout.
What it is used for
- Used at least weekly for each sterilizer and for every load with an implant.
- Results go in the sterilization log.
Safety and care
- Follow the indicator maker's directions for placement, incubation time and reading.
- A positive result (growth) means take the sterilizer out of service and follow your office's failed-test steps.
Related
Sources: CDC. Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003. MMWR 2003;52(RR-17), CDC. Dental Infection Prevention FAQs: Sterilization Monitoring