Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) Sterile Processing Technician Practice Exam

Routine biological indicator testing for steam sterilizers should be performed at minimum:

1. Daily

2. Weekly

3. Every other week

4. Monthly

The correct answer is: Weekly

Routine biological indicator testing for steam sterilizers is an essential part of ensuring the effectiveness of the sterilization process. Performing this testing weekly is the standard recommended practice because it ensures that sterilizers consistently achieve the required parameters for sterilization. Biological indicators contain live spores that are resistant to the sterilization process. By testing weekly, the sterile processing department can confirm that each sterilization cycle effectively destroys these spores, providing a reliable measure of the sterilization's efficacy. This frequent testing helps identify any issues with the sterilization equipment before they can impact patient safety. Inadequate frequency of testing, such as monthly or less often, may lead to a higher risk of undetected sterilization failures, which can threaten patient safety. Testing every other week does not align with the more robust standards set by regulatory agencies and does not provide sufficient assurance of ongoing sterilization reliability. Therefore, performing biological indicator testing weekly is deemed necessary for maintaining proper infection control and ensuring patient safety in healthcare settings.