Proper Biological Indicator Placement During Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide Decontamination Cycles

By Kurt McCauley

As is true with all sterilization processes, vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VH₂O₂) has clearly defined performance limits, many of which are unique to this process. VH₂O₂ is primarily effective as a surface decontaminant and penetrates rather poorly as compared with other more traditional sterilization processes. Due to this limitation, proper biological indicator (BI) placement during the decontamination cycle is critical in order for the BI to function as designed.

The three general BI types used for monitoring the VH₂O₂ cycles are a packaged disc, an unpackaged ribbon and a self-contained biological indicator (SCBI). A detailed description of these BI types will be discussed as well as directions on their proper placement in the isolator. Additional information on their use is enclosed with each package of BI product.