Sterilization and Disinfection of Patient-care Items in Oral Healthcare Settings
Physical Indicators

Monitoring physical indicators involves observing the gauges or displays on the sterilizer and recording the time, temperature, and pressure associated with each sterilization cycle for each load. Some sterilizers have recording devices that print out these parameters. Correct readings do not guaranty sterilization, but incorrect readings can be the first indication of a problem with the sterilization cycle and suggest the load may not be sterile.^2,3