19/10/2026
ITS ABOUT TIME FOR PROPER SCIENTIFC EDUCATION FOR DENTAL PRACTICES FOR INFECTION CONTROL
SELF SEALED STERI POUCHES
Indicators are typically used as a means of evidence for sterility assurance by most practices. But this is not evidence of sterility assurance.
Those indicators are used only as a means of demonstrating that the steri pouches have been put through the sterilisation process and nothing more.
This is convenient when opening the pouches upon procedures with patients. A quick glance can indicate that the instruments have been through that process, and as long as your processes are sound, it provides peace of mind that instruments have correctly been processed.
In order to provide evidence that the instruments are actually sterilised requires a Class II (not class 1,3,4,5 or 6)indicator and a Metallic (not plastic or aluminium), challenge device (PCD).
Most pouches have two indicators on them. One for steam and one for chemicals. As dental practices do not utilise chemicals for sterilisation, only the steam indicator will change colour.
So why are there two indicators on the pouch? Because most pouch manufacturers will sell these pouches to dental and hospital facilities, where chemical sterilisation is used.
So do no worry if only one of the indicators are changing colour on your pouch. Typically this indicator will be labelled "STEAM" and the other that does not change colour will be labelled "EO" (Ethylene Oxide).
Protect Your Practice!