Before the steriliser is used for processing reusable medical devices again, the practice needs to:
- review the service report provided by the technician
- perform on-site functional tests, including:
- vacuum or leak test (for vacuum sterilisers)
- bowie-Dick-type test (for steam penetration)
- run validation cycles using reference loads that include:
- biological indicators
- (where applicable) chemical indicators placed in different positions within the load.
These steps confirm that the steriliser is working properly under practice-specific conditions.
If neither full onsite validation nor partial onsite validation is possible, the practice needs to temporarily implement enhanced cycle monitoring using Class 6 indicators until full validation can be completed. Advice should be sought from the technician or equipment provider in these situations.