A note of some tests for determining the efficiency of hospital sterilization plants

Summary

• 1. Efficient sterilization of articles by steam under pressure requires that thetemperature attained should be at least 250° P., for atime of at least 20 minutes, and that the steam should penetrate.

• 2. The pressure attained in the sterilizer is only of importance because it indicates that a given temperature has also necessarily been attained if the sterilizer contains only saturated steam.

• 3. Tests with thermometers and living cultures are mentioned. American commercially-produced indicators are relatively cheap and have been found reliable as indicating adequate sterilising conditions.

• 4. Some simple methods to overcome inadequate sterilization are noted, more especially in connection with the sterilization of rubber gloves.