Troubleshooting
Q: How do I check my test results?
A: Sterilizer test results are available any time online through your secure and confidential account Dashboard. Simply log in with your username and password or follow the steps to create an account.
Q: I am a new customer; how do I register?
A: Welcome! Simply create an account as a new customer. Fill in the requested information, and your account should be ready within seconds!
Q: Where is my facility ID number?
A: Your facility ID number is located in your account Dashboard under the My Facilities section. It is essential to write your ID number on EVERY test you send to Propper Manufacturing.
Q: I do not see a designated space to write my facility ID, where should I write it on the test envelope or test record sheet?
A. Write your Facility ID on the back of the pre-paid business reply return envelope on line ONE. Please see these images for the exact location.
Q: How often should I check my sterilizer?
A: According to AAMI, CDC, ADA, and OSAP standards, biological monitoring is recommended, at minimum, on a weekly basis.
Q: What exactly is Biological Monitoring (i.e., spore testing)?
A: To ensure that your sterilizer is working correctly, Biological Indicators contain large, known quantity of the highly resistant spore Geobacillus stearothermophilus for steam or Bacillus atrophaues for dry heat and ethylene oxide sterilization. Biological Monitoring is the only definitive method of demonstrating sterilization, because it determines if actual microbial life has been destroyed.
Q: I recently sent my spore test in, when will I see my results?
A: All spore test will be processed upon their arrival at our laboratory. Test results will be available after the 48 hour incubation period. After the results are ready they will be uploaded to our website.
Q: Will my spore test results come in the mail?
A: NO, we have improved our processes to make test results available to you whenever you need them on our website. Create your free account here.
Q: How do I maintain an accurate record of my rest results in case I get audited?
A: A printable version of your results are available at all times through our website.
Q: My spore test result came back positive, what now?
A: In the case of a positive spore test you will immediately receive a call from our customer service team. They can answer any specific questions that you have, but it is recommended to review all of your sterilization protocols after receiving a positive test. Please consult AAMI and CDC guidelines to be sure your you are following the most up to date standards. We recommend conducting another spore test immediately after any changes to the protocol or repair to the autoclave to confirm your sterilizer is working properly.
Q: My spore test result came back inconclusive, what do I do now?
A: In the case of an inconclusive spore test you will immediately receive a call from our customer service team. They can answer any specific questions that you have, but it is recommended to review all of your sterilization protocols after receiving an inconclusive test. Please consult AAMI and CDC guidelines to be sure you are following the most up-to-date standards. We recommend conducting another spore test immediately after any changes to the protocol or repair to the autoclave to confirm your sterilizer is working properly.
Q: What typically causes a spore test to fail?
A: The most popular reason for test failure is an operator error. Accurate training of employees in the sterilizer operation and procedures can result in more efficient sterilization. If you have continued positive or inconclusive spore test results, you should consult your sterilizer/autoclave maintenance team to determine whether your machinery is malfunctioning.
Q. What is the difference between Duo Spore® and Biological Test Pack?
A. Biological Test Pack with Culture Service is a complete done for you service. The biological indicators are packaged into test packs eliminating the need to assemble a test pack before processing. After processing, simply mail the processed indicators to the Propper Manufacturing Company Laboratory and you will receive your results in our secure portal within 48 hours of receipt of the indicators.
Duo Spore® Biological Indicator Test is available with or without Culture Service. If your facility has a laboratory that can process biological indicator strips, you can use Duo Spore® without processing. If you prefer to create your own test pack for processing and wish to utilize the services provided by the Propper Laboratory you can utilize Duo Spore® with Culture Service.
Both Biological Test Pack with Culture Service and Duo Spore® Biological Indicator Test may be used in Steam, Ethylene Oxide, and Dry Heat Sterilizers.