Austmel -
EZTest contains a known quantity of bacterial spores inoculated onto filter paper and placed inside a plastic culture tube with a crushable glass ampule containing the culture medium.
Available for steam processes and contains the spores of Bacillus stearothermophilus.
A chemical indicator on the label changes color from blue to black when sterilization exposure has occurred.
Available for ethylene oxide gas processes and contains the spores of Bacillus subtilis.
A chemical indicator on the label changes from yellow to rust when sterilization exposure has occurred.
Instructions for Use:
- Place the EZTest biological indicator in the most difficult to sterilize location of the load.
- Place a sufficient number of EZTest biological indicators throughout the load to be sterilized. NOTE: This number will vary depending on the regulations being met but never less than two is recommended. Ten units per cycle is commonly used.
- Expose the load to the sterilization cycle.
- Following exposure, remove the EZTest biological indicators as soon as the load cools or has been aerated.
- Crush the glass culture medium ampule to activate the culture system.
- Place in appropriate incubator for 48 hours:
- Bacillus subtilis - ethylene oxide 37° C ± 2° C
- Bacillus stearothermophilus - steam 57° C ± 2° C
- If the spores survive the sterilization cycle, the culture medium will turn to yellow (positive). If the spores have been killed, the culture medium will remain the original color (red - ethylene oxide; purple - steam).NOTE: It is best to read results approximately every 12 to 24 hours. All positive (yellow) samples should be recorded and discarded immediately. All yellow samples should be autoclaved prior to disposal.
- Record test results and autoclave all positive samples prior to disposal
EZTest Advantages:
- Convenient to culture
- Results are final in 48 hours
- Dramatic color change for positive cultures
- No special laboratory is necessary for culturing
