Following trends in steam sterilizer performance by quantitative monitoring of non-condensable gases.

Standards require a daily steam penetration test before starting production with a steam sterilizer. In many cases the results of steam penetration tests are not used for improvements or optimization of processes. This study aimed to detect whether trend analysis with an objective and quantifying steam penetration test has added value for the end-user. The databases of an objective quantifying steam penetration test, from the hospital and the manufacturer, are coupled and analysed. In this study, the databases included five steam sterilizers and approximately a four-year period. Based on the analysis, the process of the sterilizers was optimized. The results of the steam penetration tests became more stable over longer periods. This may result in lengthened periods between maintenance and validation. The analysis demonstrates that an objective, quantifying steam penetration test delivers more insights and knowledge of the functioning of the steam sterilization process. This knowledge may be used to optimize the process and reduce costs for the end-user.