Why is it important to routinely test the efficacy of sterilizers?

Routinely testing the efficacy of sterilizers is crucial to ensuring that they are effectively killing all microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores. This process is vital for maintaining a safe environment in dental practices, where the risk of infection transmission can be high due to the close proximity of dental procedures and the exposure to bodily fluids. Regular efficacy testing involves biological indicators and chemical indicators that confirm whether or not sterilization has been achieved according to established standards.

If sterilizers are not functioning properly, there is a significant risk that insufficiently sterilized instruments could be used on patients, potentially leading to infections. This is why routine testing serves as a critical part of an infection control protocol, ensuring patient safety and health, as well as compliance with regulatory standards in dental care.