Steam Quality Testing

Thermo Diagnostics specializes in providing expert Steam Quality Testing services for Healthcare and Pharmaceutical facilities.

 

The Standards are:

ANSI/AAMI ST 79 – "Comprehensive guide to steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities"

EN 285 - Sterilization - Steam sterilizers - Large sterilizers

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When is steam quality testing required?

According to the ST 79 Standard, testing requirements are "Event Based", not on a schedule:

• Upon installation or relocation of the sterilizer

• After any change to the steam distribution lines or boiler supply water

• When investigating sterilization process failures

• When periodically assessing sterilization loads for wet packs

 

For both Standards, the testing measures three steam attributes:

• Steam Dryness - Measures the amount of moisture content in the steam. (Causes wet packs or staining)

• Superheat - Measures the superheat. (Causes scorching and cracked plastic)

• Non-Condensable Gas Measures the amount of non- condensable gas, such as air. (Causes failed DART or BI tests)