Tech in Surgery Prep / Unit 7 TSC 157 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
When a Biological Indicator Is Positive
The idea
A positive biological indicator means spores survived a cycle, and the facility follows a set procedure to decide what that means.
In practice
Follow the guideline's approach for steam. First, check the mechanical and chemical indicators for that cycle. Second, repeat the spore test at once. Third, if the repeat is also positive, stop using the sterilizer until it is serviced. Fourth, if a malfunction is found, everything from the suspect loads is considered nonsterile and recalled, as far as possible, for reprocessing. Fifth, implants from the load are always treated as a recall concern. For methods other than steam, the guideline recommends a more conservative approach: treat any positive result as a malfunction and retrieve everything processed since the last negative test. If items were already used, infection-prevention staff assess the risk.
Where people slip
The procedure exists so that nobody has to improvise under pressure. A scrub person told that a tray is being recalled stops using it at once, even mid-setup, and the circulating nurse coordinates a replacement.
Your place on the trail
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