Interpreting The Results After A Chemical Decontamination Cycle Performed With Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide

By Maria Luisa Bernuzzi, Manager, R&D Fedegari Autoclavi SpA

The unexpected growth of a biological indicator (BI) at the end of a decontamination cycle is certainly an undesirable and problematic event.  What can and should be done at this point?

If a single BI were used to provide answers for each position, a deep analysis of the failing would not be possible and lead to the dilemma of determining if decontamination cycle was inadequate or is the BI defective?  In this situation, even a statistical analysis would not be feasible. But, the application of at least two or three BIs per point might help overcome the difficulty.