Sterilizer Monitoring Service

Department of Oral Patholgy, Radiology and Medicine

Monitoring of sterilization has been recommended on a routine weekly basis by the Center for Disease Control, and the American Dental Association. A number of states are now requiring weekly monitoring of sterilization effectiveness using microbiologic methods.

The only effective way to ensure that sterilization has been achieved is to use a microbiologic monitor. Autoclave tape and bag markers indicate that they have been exposed to sterilization, they do not indicate sterilization has been achieved. Studies of the adequacy of sterilization in dental offices has been variable ranging from failure to sterilize instruments in as high as twenty percent to less than two percent of sterilization attempts monitored. The majority of failures to sterilize have been due to human error and not equipment failure.

Do you know if the instruments your office uses are sterile? The University of Iowa Sterilizer Monitoring Service includes:

All positive reports are phoned.

Printed reports are mailed on each test performed.

Cumulative printed reports are provided on request.

Certificate of participation suitable for framing and display is provided.

Toll free number 1-800-626-4692 (IOWA) for questions and consultation.

Consultation at no charge with faculty and staff.

Postage free business reply labels for return of specimens.

Supplies are bar coded to insure expiration date of biologic monitor, specimen, and participant identification.

Service competitively priced.

The CDC and ADA recommend weeky verification and documentation of sterilizer effectiveness with spore-testing devices to comply with infection control standards.

ARE YOUR INSTRUMENTS STERILE?

A Sterilizer Monitoring Service is available through The University of Iowa College of Dentistry. If you wish to participate, please complete and return this form.

_______________________________________________________ doctor _______________________________________________________ office name _______________________________________________________ address _______________________________________________________ city, state, zip _______________________________________________________ phone number _______________________________________________________

_____chemical vapor
_____dry heat oven
_____steam or moist

monitoring frequency
_____weekly (per sterilizer)..$260/year*
_____monthly (per sterilizer)..$72/year*
*prepaid yearly or at six-month intervals

I wish to participate in The University of Iowa College of Dentistry Sterilizer Monitoring Testing Program. I understand that sterilization monitoring vials/strips will be sent to me at the schedule I select along with a postage-paid return label. These are to be returned promptly after sterilization for incubation and subsequent report. I am also aware that the results of such testing will be confidentially sent to me for the purpose of maintaining an independent record of sterilizer effectiveness as recommended by CDC and ADA guidelines.

___________________________________________________________________________ ___ signature
Method of Payment (Please circle one of the following):
Check enclosed
VISA
MC
card #__________/___________/__________/__________ exp ____/____

All orders are subject to credit approval.
Checks should be made payable to:
STERILIZER MONITORING SERVICE
Mail to:

Sterilizer Monitoring Service
Oral Pathology, Radiology and Medicine
College of Dentistry
The University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1001

After receipt of the registration form and payment, you will be sent the materials and directions for testing. If you have questions, you may contact
The Sterilizing Monitor Service
or call us at 1-800-626-4692 or FAX: (319) 335-7351

janice-quinn@uiowa.edu
nellie-kremenak@iowa.edu
Dows Institute for Dental Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242

librarian@vh.org