Bioburden - Hospital Instruments

The usual approach for selection of samples would be to test instruments grouped into "families". For example, families could be determined as follows:

  • Simple one piece instruments (e.g. dissecting forceps)
  • Jointed instruments (e.g. needleholders)
  • Complex instruments (e.g. cusco)
  • Linen
  • Laryngeal masks

One example from each family would be sent to the laboratory on a regular basis for bioburden testing post wash-disinfect but pre-sterilisation. The bioburden levels for each product should be consistent. This would prove that the cleaning process is in control and that routine sterilisation should be effective.