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Decontamination and Sterilization Solutions
CONNECT WITH USWe are on a mission to reduce the risk of preventable surgical site infections
Safe surgery starts with safe instruments. For over 50 years, 3M has maintained a trusted reputation for creating innovative sterilization products for decontamination. Our sterilization products and solutions help to improve the knowledge, professionalism and productivity of an entire sterile processing departments.
Bowie and Dick tests offer an independent way to ensure that the sterilizer is doing its job properly.
Learn moreBowie and Dick tests offer an independent way to ensure that the sterilizer is doing its job properly.
Learn moreChemical indicators provide assurance to operating room teams that instruments have been properly sterilized.
Learn moreChemical indicators provide assurance to operating room teams that instruments have been properly sterilized.
Learn moreBiological Indicators offer a convenient way of directly demonstrating at the load level that the sterilizer has the ability to kill microbial spores.
Learn moreBiological Indicators offer a convenient way of directly demonstrating at the load level that the sterilizer has the ability to kill microbial spores.
Learn moreIndicator Tapes show at a glance that a pack has been exposed to sterilization conditions.
Learn moreIndicator Tapes show at a glance that a pack has been exposed to sterilization conditions.
Learn more-
Infection prevention starts with youThe four key guardians of sterilization assurance come together for one purpose. To protect your patients.
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The link between sterilization failures and risk to patientsThis on-demand webinar provides a clear view on how sterilization can affect patient outcomes and how to best mitigate the risks within quality assurance in the CSSD.
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LeadCollection of all the fundamental information of the sterilization process in a single, easy-to-read whitepaper
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ActAre you ready to explore new monitoring methods? Contact us to request a visit from specialised 3M staff and a free trial.
Request a consultation
Our 3M specialists will answer your questions - either in person or with an online consultation and virtual demonstration. We're here for you.
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Equipment Monitoring – Bowie Dick Test
Equipment monitoring is a way to find out whether or not your sterilizer is doing its job properly. To monitor vacuum-assisted steam sterilizers, you should begin each day with a daily steam penetration test (Bowie and Dick test) to detect air leaks, inadequate air removal, inadequate steam penetration and the presence of non-condensable gases, any of which can compromise sterility. It is important that the Bowie and Dick test be independent of the sterilizer.
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Load Monitoring – Biological Indicators
Load monitoring is the process by which a load is monitored and released based on the final negative result of a Biological Indicator (BI). Only a BI can offer convenient detection of the actual killing of spores inside the sterilizer. As a best practice and to provide optimal patient safety, 3M recommends that every sterilization load be monitored with an appropriate biological indicator inserted into an appropriate process challenge device.
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Internal Pack Monitoring – Chemical Indicators
Internal pack monitoring verifies that the steam sterilization conditions are established inside the pack and the World Health Organisation (WHO) surgical safety check list1 requires that the pack sterility should be verified. This can be achieved by using a chemical indicator in every pack.
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External Pack Monitoring – Exposure Tapes
External pack monitoring allows anyone to see at a glance whether packs have been exposed to the sterilization process. Usually consisting of tapes or labels, these Type 1 process indicators undergo a colour change when exposed to the sterilant.
