Role of the Wireless Thermologger System in the Management of the Autoclave Unequipped with Sensor Ports

Abstract

Recently, the wireless thermologger system was developed. It consists of a wireless logger and the attached computer system. The wireless logger has a wireless structure and can be placed anywhere in the sterilizer chamber for thermometry.

In the present study, thermal evaluations were performed twice using the wireless thermologger system in the sterilizer chamber of the prevacuum autoclave unequipped with sensor ports when it failed to pass the Bowie-Dick test and underwent mechanical repairs. Thermometry was performed when the Bowie-Dick test cycle was operated. The heat up time was measured in the range of 120.0-134.0 °C. The F₀ value was calculated with the reference temperature at 121.0 °C and Z value at 10 °C when the sterilization temperature was over 120.0 °C.

The first thermal evaluation was performed after three air-leaking points were repaired along with the replacement of the vacuum pump and the thermosensor. It revealed that the heat-up time was 4 min and 42 s and the F₀ value was 137.5. After the temperature control systems were adjusted using the process calibrator in the prevacuum autoclave, the second thermal evaluation revealed that the heat up time was 2 mins 1 s and the F₀ value was 102.7.

The present study suggests that the wireless thermologger system is useful in the management of the autoclave unequipped with sensor ports when it undergoes mechanical repairs.