Education: Failed Test Help
Why do tests fail?
Have you failed a spore test? Don't panic. Review your sterilization procedures, check for common human errors and review infection control protocol. These simple steps will help identify the cause of most common failed biological monitoring test.
Reviewing sterilizer loading
Overloading sterilizers is the #1 most common cause of failures. Understanding proper loading is key to ensuring properly sterilizer instruments and cassettes.
WHAT CAUSES MAIL-IN INVALID TESTS?
Understand all the requirements when filling out your Mail-In Spore Test Envelopes. Confusing the spore test strip with the control strip could cause an invalid result as well as mailing in a spore test 30 or more days AFTER the initial spore test date… Tests must be received within a 30 day timeframe from initial test date. Watch and learn more.
YOU’RE NOT ALONE
If you’re spore test failure was not due to human error (improper packaging, overloading the sterilizer, running and incorrect cycle, failure to run a warm up cycle) and you are concerned / unclear if you can confidently release a load please know that you are not alone. And clinical consultants are available at 8558-STERILE, M-F, 8am-5pm MST to answer your questions.
