Visit the previous page ‘In-Office Biological Monitoring’ for CDC Sterilization Recommendations and an overview of biological monitoring.

WHAT IS MAIL-IN SPORE TESTING?

Spore strips are small pieces of filter paper impregnated with nonpathogenic bacterial spores (e.g., Geobacillusstearothermophilus and Bacillus atrophaeus) encased in a protective glassine envelope. After processing, the spore test envelope is sent to a laboratory where the paper strip is aseptically transferred to a test tube containing sterile culture media and then incubated.

Some of the advantages to mail-in biological monitoring verses in-office biological monitoring include:

• Compatibility with dry heat, chemical, EtO and steam sterilizers.
• Test results in as little as 24 hours* for steam, 72 hours for chemical, 7 days for dry heat and EtO (*upon receipt of spore strips in our laboratory).
• Your choice of immediate test failure notification by fax or email with a follow-up phone call the next day from one of our clinical consultants. Sterilization results are faxed or emailed quarterly and annually.
• Results online 24 hours a day on our secure, confidential web site.
• Complimentary reminder service that provides either a fax or email alert notification of a missed test date.
• Third party documentation of test results provides a tangible record when proof of testing must be provided.
• One of the most cost-effective methods of biological monitoring.
• Highly resistant dual-species bacterial spores provide the most reliable method of testing for an effective sterilization cycle.
• US Food and Drug Administration cleared.