How often does the CDC recommend monitoring sterilizers/autoclaves?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that sterilizers or autoclaves be monitored weekly to ensure they are functioning correctly and effectively sterilizing instruments. Regular weekly monitoring includes performing biological indicator tests, which use spores that are resistant to the sterilization process. This helps to confirm that the sterilization has successfully eliminated any viable microorganisms.

Assessing the autoclave's effectiveness weekly allows for early detection of potential issues, thus ensuring the safety of patients and maintaining strict infection control protocols. Monitoring less frequently, such as monthly or annually, may not provide timely insights into any failures or malfunctions, potentially compromising the sterility of instruments and increasing the risk of infection. Daily monitoring is also not recommended as it may lead to unnecessary strain on resources without significant benefit, considering that weekly checks are deemed sufficient for maintaining safety standards.