CSS/HGR 9682 recommendations detail best practices for validating sterilization cycles, including biological controls at regular intervals. This guide summarizes the essential tests for Belgian professionals.
Sterilisation control operates at three complementary levels. Physical indicators are the parameters displayed by the autoclave (temperature, pressure, duration) — they confirm that the cycle ran according to the selected programme. Chemical indicators (autoclave tape, chemical integrators) change colour when exposed to sterilisation conditions. Biological indicators (spore tests) are the most reliable: they confirm that the most resistant micro-organisms have been destroyed.
The Bowie-Dick test (for pre-vacuum autoclaves) or the Helix test (for hollow loads) verifies steam penetration into the load. It should be performed daily, before the first load of the day, in an empty autoclave.
A failed Bowie-Dick test indicates a steam penetration problem — it could be a leak, a vacuum pump issue, or a worn seal. The autoclave should not be used until the problem is resolved.
The vacuum leak test verifies that the autoclave maintains the necessary vacuum during the pre-vacuum phase of the cycle. A leak compromises steam penetration — instruments at the centre of the load may not be sterilised. This test is recommended weekly and is mandatory after any maintenance on the vacuum system.
The door seal should also be checked regularly. A worn or damaged seal causes steam leaks, failed cycles, and premature wear on the vacuum pump. SecuSteri allows you to record the results of these checks (vacuum test, seal check, Bowie-Dick, Helix, biological indicators) directly in the digital register, linked to the day and the autoclave concerned.
Biological indicators contain spores of Geobacillus stearothermophilus, the micro-organism most resistant to saturated steam. If the sterilisation cycle destroys them, it will destroy any other micro-organism.
Recommended frequency varies by guideline: weekly as general best practice, after every new installation or autoclave repair, and whenever there is any doubt about the equipment's functioning. The Superior Health Council (CSS/HGR) recommends regular biological controls in its opinions on sterilisation.
Autoclave tape (Class 1 indicator) is placed on each pouch. It does not guarantee sterilisation — it only indicates that the pouch has been through the autoclave. Chemical integrators (Class 4, 5, or 6) offer a more thorough verification by measuring exposure to temperature, pressure, and time.
The Class 6 chemical integrator is the most reliable chemical indicator: it only changes colour when all critical cycle parameters have been reached.
Every biological and physico-chemical control must be documented: date, test type, result (pass/fail), and corrective action if applicable. These documents are an integral part of the sterilisation register. In Belgium, tattoo and piercing studios are subject to inspections by the FPS Public Health (SPF Santé publique) — control results are among the elements verified.
Digital traceability automatically archives control results and links them to the relevant sterilisation cycles, eliminating the risk of loss or omission. For more details on the use-by date, see the dedicated guide.
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