TESTSETS & PCDS - CSSD PRODUCTS

Process challenge device(PCD)

Used in LTSF-sterilizers to test sufficient formaldehyde penetration. The indicator strip is placed in the test device. The test device is sterilized together with other packages and containers. Compact-PCDs can also be used for this application

Application

Process Monitoring Systems (PMS) are process challenge devices that are used to test sterilizers according to a defined standard, called type tests. A PMS checks if a sterilizer fulfils the requirements of the standard (e.g. BD Test according to EN 285 and Helix-Test according to EN 867-5). PMS are used for routine monitoring of sterilizer process parameters to proof insufficient air removal, leakage or non condensable gases (NCG). The gke Steri-Record® PCD-Testsets (PCD = process challenge device) include various PMS and have been developed to test the penetration characteristics of the sterilization agent to ensure penetration inside hollow devices e.g. minimal invasive surgical (MIS) instruments and tubes. For a successful sterilization process the sterilizing agent must contact all inside and outside surfaces of the goods to be sterilized. Air and NCG must be removed from inside of hollow devices before they can be sterilized. Experience has demonstrated that most hollow devices and MIS instruments are more difficult to sterilize than porous loads (e.g. Bowie-Dick-Test). Sterility inside hollow instruments cannot be checked with parametric release and can only be correctly detected by using microbiological methods with direct inoculation. The results have to be evaluated in a microbiological laboratory after sterilization.

This procedure is the only meaningful validation procedure but not feasible for routine monitoring. To circumvent direct inoculation alternatively a Testset can be used with biological or chemical indicators for steam, ethylene oxide, formaldehyde and hydrogen peroxide sterilization processes. The PCDs have different sensitivities and simulate simple solid instruments up to complex hollow devices. Depending on the selected Testset, the sterilizer must have a program with an appropriate fractionated vacuum or a deep single vacuum to enable air removal and sterilant penetration in the PCD. This characteristic depends on the sterilizer program used and differs from sterilizer brand to sterilizer brand. gke offers different Helix and Compact-PCDTestsets, see order information table 1 + 2. The use of the gke Steri-Record® Testsets allows a simple and inexpensive method to validate sterilization processes with hollow instruments.

Information for steam sterilization processes:

The Process Monitoring System (PMS) and Batch Monitoring System (BMS) for steam sterilization processes have been developed to monitor each cycle. BMS are validated according to the load configuration and are used for routine monitoring of each batch. A PMS can also be used as a BMS if the penetration performance of the sterilizer exceeds the penetration performance of the load to be sterilized. As described before a selected PMS can be used for process or batch monitoring. The PMS has to be selected according to the sterilizer program, the BMS according to the load configuration. Small steam sterilizers, not operating with fractionated vacuum, are unable to remove air from longer hollow devices. In that case the PCDTestset 200-013 or 200-210 for small sterilizers should be used to determine the length of inner lumens being able to get penetrated.

There are various sterilization programs on the market. Before using a PCD as a PMS or BMS with other sterilization programs, validate the test using direct inoculation of the most difficult instrument by using biological indicators. For sterilization cycles without pressure difference processes, the PCD may not be suitable because of insufficient gas penetration. In this case seal indicator in one or more pouches without using the PCD.

Information for ethylene oxide sterilization processes:

The process challenge device (PCD) can be used with chemical or biological indicators (B. atrophaeus 106). The biological indicators must be incubated by a microbiological laboratory afterwards. Alternatively self-contained biological indicators (SCBI) can be used with special BioC

Compact-PCDs with the advantage that no laboratory is necessary to incubate the SCBIs. For routine monitoring chemical indicators are recommended with the advantage that they can be checked immediately after the sterilization process has finished. In opposite to steam sterilization processes different ethylene oxide sterilization processed are used which differ in temperature, pressure, ethylene oxide concentration and inert gas mixtures, e. g. CO2. When chemical indicators are used, the monitoring system should be validated with biological indicators. The chemical indicator has been tested at 55°C under the following sterilization conditions

During the EO-sterilization process it is absolutely necessary to monitor the relative humidity, which should be above 60% . The ideal relative humidity during sterilization is between 70% and 90% RH. If the standard type test (art.-no. 212-250/ 200-028) according to EN 1422 demonstrates successful ethylene oxide penetration the sterilizer meets the standard specifications for EOpenetration.

Information for hydrogen peroxide (plasma) sterilization processes:

The process monitoring system (PMS) for hydrogen peroxide (plasma) ensures that the H2O2 gas penetrates into the most difficult locations of the load. The air removal and hydrogen peroxide penetration conditions differ heavily depending on the sterilization process/sterilizer used. Therefore gke does not offer a fixed combination of biological or chemical indicator strip and process challenge device (PCD) but the selection of the PCD depends on the effectiveness of the hydrogen peroxide/plasma sterilization process and on the requirements of the load. It must be secured that the selected PCD represents the most difficult penetration characteristics of the load.

For selecting the appropriate test device your local gke sales partner or the gke laboratory may support you. After the right PCD is selected it can be ordered separately as a single PCD for routine monitoring together with biological or chemical indicators. In contrast to steam sterilization processes the penetration characteristics of H2O2 in hydrogen peroxide sterilization processes into tubes become less difficult if the diameter of the tubes increases. Tube diameters below 4 mm are extremely difficult to be sterilized in hydrogen peroxide sterilization processes. The standard EN ISO 11140-1 defines six different indicator classes. However, for hydrogen peroxide only class 1 process indicators are specified. For class 2-6 there are no parameters for the hydrogen peroxide variables defined. The gke hydrogen peroxide chemical indicator turns from purple to pink. Under the same conditions biological indicators (Geob. Stearothermophilus 106 CFU per strip) are inactivated. Since the hydrogen peroxide-/plasma sterilization processes are currently not standardized there are several different processes with different process parameters on the market. Therefore it is recommended to validate a PMS once using biological indicators before routine monitoring with chemical indicators.

Product Description

gke produces two types of PCDs. Historically, so-called Helix-PCDs have been used which consist of a PTFE tube and a capsule to host the indicator. gke has decided to manufacture all capsules in stainless steel since they are more durable than plastic capsules. Also stainless steel has no negative catalytic effect with any of the sterilants used. The cap with the seal ring is durable in low and high temperature sterilization processes up to 140°C. Helix-PCDs are durable for about 1.000 cycles while the most important parts of the patented Compact-PCD® s are made of stainless steel and have an almost unlimited life span.:

4. Biological Indicators

Igke offers biological indicators with different population and D-value for steam, formaldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, ethylene oxide and dry heat sterilization processes. Technical details are available in the data sheet for biological indicators. Biological indicators (spore strips) for H2O2sterilization processes contain a plastic carrier (free of cellulose) while other biological indicators are made of paper materials.

Performance Characteristics

The combination of a PCD and a biological or chemical indicator is a class 2 indicator accordingto EN ISO 11140-1 consisting of a „specific test load“ (PCD) and “indicator system” (indicator strip). The chemical indicators have the performance characteristics of a class 5 indicator but the combination with a PCD is a class 2 indicator being able to monitor NCGs additionally not possible of a class 5 indicator only.

The Hollow Load Test is described in the European Standard EN 867-5 and originally designed to test the steam penetration characteristics of tabletop sterilizers class B according to EN 13060 and large sterilizers according to EN 285. However, in the meantime they are used for other applications as well. For formaldehyde sterilization processes this test is described as the hollow load test in EN 14180. The Helix-PCD (Art.-No. 200-150) as well as the Compact-PCD® (Art.-No. 200-218) are hollow load tests according to EN 867-5. The Helix– and the Compact-PCD have been validated by an accredited laboratory according to EN ISO 17025. All chemical indicators comply with the standard EN ISO 11140-1. All gke biological indicators comply with the standard EN ISO 11138 series. A standard for hydrogen peroxide/plasma is not published yet.

POperational Description

The PCD-Testset with the appropriate indicator inside is sterilized together with the load. At the end of the process the indicators are checked. As a result some PCDs show good penetration characteristics while some more demanding PCDs indicate fail conditions. The PCD that has passed with the highest hollow penetration resistance provides information about the best penetration characteristics of the process and may be used for routine monitoring. However it has to be demonstrated that this PCD has higher penetration

characteristics than the load configuration. In case of doubt, validation according to DIN 58921 must be carried out.The selected PCD is also available as a single test
device and can be used with the corresponding indicator strips for routine monitoring (see order information).

Benefits for Helix- and Compact-PCDs

Testsets and PCDs are suitable for steam, ethylene oxide, formaldehyde and hydrogen peroxide sterilization processes using the correct gke indicator strip.
Simple and easy method to find out the limitations of the penetration characteristics of a sterilizer.
Only the use of a BMS allows the monitoring of sterility inside of complex hollow instruments, like tubes and porous goods not provided by recording pressure, temperature  and steam quality in the chamber and/or using exposed indicator strips.
PCDs are cost-effective due to multiple use. Only one indicator strip is required for each sterilization process instead of one in each pack.
Easy interpretation of the results due to precise colour change.
Continuous reproducibility of the results.
Environmentally friendly, no unnecessary waste.
All information relevant to the process is supplied on completion of the process so that the authorized person can release the batch without opening the packs.
The graduated colour change of the indicator bars provides information about the magnitude of air removal and sterilant penetration inside the sterilizer.
The indicator colour chemistry is a nonreversible chemical reaction and remains colourfast over time.
All gke chemical indicators are protected from bleeding by a polymer binder and surface coating and can be disposed off with normal garbage.
gke self-adhesive labels simplify recording with the gke Steri-Record® documentation system.
The screw-cap consists of a highly thermal resistant material and stainless steel sandwichconstruction that protects hands from high temperatures.

Additional benefits for Compact-PCD®s:

 The advanced international patented “multistage” technology combines the penetration characteristics of hollow and porous loads simulating the Bowie-Dick test, Helix devices      or various batch monitoring systemsrepresenting the characteristics of real loads such as textiles, tubes and even minimal invasive surgical (MIS) instruments.

 Compact-PCD®s can be used for an unlimited number of cycles. The durable materials ensure reproducible results.

The outside parts of the Compact-PCD®s are made of thermal insulating material and protect the hands from high temperatures after taking the test device out of the sterilizer    chamber. Results can be checked immediately at the end of the cycle.