Application of rapid biological monitoring for bacillus stearothermophilus spore in the management of surgical instruments

Abstract

Objective To compare the applications of four types of bacillus stearothermophilus spore reagents, in order to provide basis for the safe management of surgical instruments. Methods From September to December 2015, four types of bacillus stearothermophilus spore reagents that were often used in the disinfection supply center of Jiaozuo People's Hospital of He'nan province were investigated. They were SSI.K31 type bacillus stearothermophilus spore tablet of Beijing Sihuan (common bacterial tablet) , self-contained Bacillus stearothermophilus spore reagent of Beijing Sihuan (48 h self-contained agent) , 1292 biological reagent of American 3M company (3M1292) , and 1492 biological reagent of American 3M company (3M1492) . They were cultured by steam sterilization of 132℃ for 480 seconds. The culture results were obtained at different time according to the different types of reagents. The number of vacuum and sterilization time were adjusted. The spore killing situation was recorded and analyzed. Results In the experimental tube culture of four types bacillus stearothermophilus spore reagents, the difference occurred in the common bacterial tablets because they were susceptible to other factors. The culture results of three self-contained reagents were in agreement. The time of common spore tablets was the longest. The time of 3M1492 was the shortest. Conclusions For common bacterial tablets, 7 days is needed for the bacterial culture. In the transplantation process there is potential contamination chance, which might result in false positive results. The application of self-contained spore biological reagents can avoid false positive results and it is convenient and fast. The super rapid biological monitoring can interpret monitoring results in the shortest time so that the seamless joint of the surgical instruments can be achieved, which speeds up the turnover and produces higher practical value. Key words: Disinfection; Environmental monitoring; Bacillus stearothermophilus; Surgical instruments