Directions for strip use:

Run testing strip with a load of instruments through a normal cycle. Please refer to your sterilizer’s instruction manual for more information about sterilizer settings.

Sterilizer Operators:

Please place the packaged strip in your sterilizer with a normal load of instruments. Do not peel or open the strips. Run them with a load to be sterilized and return them to us immediately after sterilization attached to a completed submission request form. See bottom of submission forms for additional information.

Storage instructions:

Strips should be stored at room temperature, 20 to 25° Celsius (68 to 77°F). Protect from light, chemicals, excessive heat, and moisture. Return unwanted/expired strips for proper disposal or autoclave.

Results:

Tests for steam, chemical and dry heat sterilizers are incubated for 7 days. Tests are checked daily and offices are notified right away of a failed positive test.

Reporting:

Results are available as soon as they are released on our results website, http://web-apps.dentistry.uiowa.edu/sterilizermonitor/. Please call us at 800 626 4692 to set up web access. If strip is negative (sterilization is successful) a report will be sent to your office within 2 weeks after receipt of test. If strip is positive (sterilization failed) your office will be notified by telephone.

Web access to results:

For access to all tests we have received since 2008 register for web access! Call us at 800 626 4692 or email kaitlin-wenndt@uiowa.edu with your account number to set up your account. Your office can choose whether or not to continue to receive paper reports, or an annual cumulative report can be requested. Positive results will be telephoned immediately.

Renewal:

To renew please return the enclosed pink renewal form with payment. The form can be mailed with a test or faxed. If paying by credit card you can renew online or over the phone by calling 800 626 4692. Credit card information can also be submitted via renewal form and faxed to 319 353 5569.

Positive tests:

Offices should develop a written protocol of what to do in case of a positive test. According to CDC recommendations, a single positive test does not necessarily mean the sterilizer has malfunctioned, but the sterilizer should be taken out of service until a negative test has been obtained. Full CDC recommendations can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/guidelines.htm

Positive results are called to the office as soon as they are detected. A retest can be done immediately using a strip from your supply. We will also send an additional strip to your office to retest the sterilizer. If a retest has already been completed it can be used as a regular test. We recommend running another test right away and using the mailed strip as a replacement strip. Please call with any questions.

Certificate of Performance:

These biological indicators meet current manufacturing requirements of the United States Food and Drug Administration. Indicators will meet, up to the expiration date, required survival, kill, and population specifications. For manufacturer’s Certificate of Performance please contact us at 800 626 4692 or email kaitlin-wenndt@uiowa.edu.

Questions:

If you have any questions or would like more information about sterilizer monitoring, test procedure, or testing best practices, please call us at 800 626 4692 or visit our webpage, www.dentistry.uiowa.edu/smp