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VOLUME 23 , ISSUE 3 ( March, 2022 ) > List of Articles

ORIGINAL RESEARCH

Evaluation of a Rapid Biological Spore Test for Dental Instrument Sterilization

Thomas E Rams, Jacqueline D Sautter, Andie H Lee, Arie J van Winkelhoff

Keywords : Bacterial spores, Dental infection control, Dental instruments, Steam autoclave, Sterilization

Citation Information : Rams TE, Sautter JD, Lee AH, van Winkelhoff AJ. Evaluation of a Rapid Biological Spore Test for Dental Instrument Sterilization. J Contemp Dent Pract 2022; 23 (3):279-283.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10024-3317

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 24-06-2022

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2022; The Author(s).


Abstract

Aim: This study evaluated the reliability of a new rapid biological spore test (BST) for determining the sterilization efficacy of dental steam autoclaves within 20 minutes, as compared to a conventional BST requiring 2 days of incubation after autoclave exposure. Materials and methods: A total of 177 pairs of BST, each composed of a rapid test (Celerity™ 20 Steam Biologic Indicator, Steris) and a conventional BST (Attest™ 1262 Biological Indicator, 3M), both containing Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores, were placed into steam autoclaves loaded with instruments, and subjected to either sterilizing (157 pairs) or non-sterilizing conditions (20 pairs). Celerity™ BST was then incubated for 20 minutes at 57°C, with the growth medium evaluated spectrophotometrically for fluorescent α-glucosidase signal changes (no change with successful sterilization; increased fluorescence after failed sterilization). Attest™ BST was incubated for 48 hours at 57°C, after which a pH-based color change in the culture broth was visually assessed (no change in purple color with successful sterilization; change to yellow color with failed sterilization). Results: Celerity™ and Attest™ BST both accurately identified successful sterilization, with no G. stearothermophilus spore growth from either BST after exposure to sterilizing steam autoclave conditions (100% agreement between 157 pairs of each BST). Both BST also accurately detected unsuccessful sterilization, with all tested ampoules positive for G. stearothermophilus spore germination after non-sterilizing steam autoclave time periods. Both BST exhibited 100% sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for detection of sterilizing steam autoclave conditions. Conclusion: Celerity™ BST, after only 20 minutes incubation, performed equally as well as a BST requiring 48 hours incubation in determining the sterilization efficacy of dental steam autoclaves. Clinical significance: Rapid BST offer earlier detection of sterilization failure before potentially contaminated dental instruments are used in clinical patient care.

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