Free dental sterilizer load log (every cycle)

Sources in plain words

What the rules say

• Record the mechanical readings for every load — time, temperature and pressure — and note them with the chemical indicator results. (CDC, 2003 dental infection-control guidelines)

• A chemical indicator goes inside every package, and an external indicator goes on the package when the internal one cannot be seen from the outside. (CDC, 2003 dental infection-control guidelines)

• Packs from a load whose mechanical or chemical indicators showed inadequate processing are not used. (CDC, 2003 dental infection-control guidelines)

• For each cycle, record the type of sterilizer and cycle used, the load identification number, the load contents, the exposure parameters such as time and temperature, the operator’s name or initials, and the mechanical, chemical and biological results. (CDC and HICPAC, 2008 guideline for disinfection and sterilization in healthcare facilities)

• A load that contains an implantable device gets a biological indicator and, whenever possible, is held until the result is known, and an unwrapped load cannot be marked as containing an implant. (CDC, 2003 dental infection-control guidelines)

• In Florida, steam and chemical-vapor sterilizers need a spore test at least every 40 hours of use or every 30 days, whichever comes first. Use time is the number of cycles multiplied by the cycle time, so the log keeps each cycle’s length. (Florida Administrative Code 64B5-25.003)

Free · prints on US Letter, landscape

The printable log

One sheet, four steps

How to use it

1. 01

   Fill in the office name, the sterilizer label exactly as it appears on your packs, and the month at the top of the sheet.

2. 02

   Write one line per cycle, at the end of the cycle, by the operator who ran it: start time, cycle type, contents, and the readings from the gauges or the display.

3. 03

   Mark wrapped or unwrapped, and mark Implant Y when the load contains an implantable device — that load is held for its biological indicator.

4. 04

   Close the line with the outcome: released, held for BI, or failed. Then label each pack with the sterilizer, the load number and the date, so a pack can be traced back to its line.