How often should a dental office spore test its sterilizers?

If a test fails

• Take the sterilizer out of service.
• Review the process to rule out operator error.
• Retest with biological, mechanical and chemical indicators.
• Return it to service only after a negative repeat test.
• Recall items from suspect loads back to the last negative test, where possible.

Records

Keep a log of every result with the date, sterilizer, test type and any corrective action. Retention rules vary by state, and three years is a common benchmark. Check your state dental board for its own frequency and retention rules.