STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES for AUTOCLAVE MONITORING AND USE

COMPARATIVE MEDICINE LABORATORY ANIMAL FACILITIES


  1. Purpose:
    This procedure details the test monitoring and use of autoclaves employed by the CM-LAF.
  2. Scope:
    This procedure applies to CM-LAF staff assigned to perform autoclave monitoring.
  3. Procedure:
    1. The tests done by CM-LAF staff include steam, temperature, biological and steam penetration. In addition, a private vender (ISS Service) is contracted to check the CM-LAF units and provide maintenance and emergency repairs.
      1. ISS Service is done at least three times a year.
    2. If possible, autoclaves should be operated once per week. If operational problems occur they should be reported to the facility manager so that repairs can be initiated through the present holder of our autoclave testing and service contracts.
    3. An "Autoclaves/Sterilizers Users' Sign-Up Sheet" is attached to each autoclave in the CM-LAF. This sheet must be completed by all users for each sterilizing cycle. The user list will include either a principal investigator, an CM-LAF staff member, or a service technician from the outside vendor service contract.
    4. A sterilization monitoring program to assure that sterilization conditions are being met, consists of the following components:
      1. Inspections by an outside vendor service contract to check all mechanical components and verify operating temperature and pressure.
      2. Quarterly testing with "Castle Biosign" biological indicator containing Bacillus stearothermophilus and Bacillus subtilis var. niger.
      3. Semi annual testing with "Castle S.M.A.R.T. Pack" for mechanical air removal in high vacuum units.
      4. Necessary supplies are located in room 209.
      5. Test results of the monitoring program are recorded in a log book stored in 209.
      6. In case of positive testing results, the unit will be rerun/follow-up tested If unit fails to function properly, the current holder/service contract should be called in immediately.
    5. A dated test sticker is attached to the autoclave unit recording the test result.
      1. The sticker is updated upon each testing performed, therefore always reflecting the last tested date and result.