In Ontario, a dental office runs a biological indicator (spore test) for each sterilizer on every day that the sterilizer is used, for each type of cycle that is used. The RCDSO infection prevention and control standard of practice is explicit that the test is placed in a process challenge device, and the result is recorded in a logbook — daily monitoring, not weekly. The weekly schedule many teams copy comes from the CDC / AAMI ST79 baseline used in most US states, so a clinic that follows a US checklist will under-test here.
The practical setup is simple: stock a 24-hour biological indicator 50-pack at the sterilization bench, run the test with the first load of the day, incubate, and log the result. The rest of this guide explains what the rule covers, how it interacts with multi-load days, and how to document it so an inspector can follow the paper trail.
What does the RCDSO actually require for spore testing?
The requirement is a frequency rule plus a placement rule. Frequency: a biological indicator is run each day the sterilizer is used, and also for each type of cycle used that day. Placement: the indicator goes inside a process challenge device (PCD), which creates the same resistance a real load would face, rather than being left loose in the chamber.
| Item | Ontario (RCDSO) | US baseline (CDC / AAMI ST79) |
|---|---|---|
| Spore test frequency | Each day the sterilizer is used | At least weekly |
| Per cycle type | Yes | Weekly, per sterilizer |
| Placement | Inside a process challenge device | PCD or manufacturer direction |
| Record | Result recorded in a logbook | Log retained by policy |
The two columns are the source of most confusion. A weekly rota is a defensible baseline in many American states; in Ontario it is a documentation gap.
Does the rule change when you run several loads in one day?
No. The unit in the standard is the day of use and the cycle type, not the individual load. A clinic that runs three instrument loads before lunch still satisfies the daily rule with one test per cycle type on a sterilizer that was used that day. What does change with volume is release practice for implants, which should not be released until the indicator readout is confirmed.
Where teams get into trouble is the reverse case: a sterilizer that is used only on Tuesday still needs its test on Tuesday, so a test is not something you can park on a Monday hygiene rota.
How do you document daily spore tests so an inspector accepts them?
A workable log holds four things per entry: the date, the sterilizer identifier, the cycle type, and the indicator result with the operator initials. Add the indicator lot number so a failed lot can be traced, and keep the manufacturer control result with it. Entries should be filled in as the test is read, not backfilled at month end, because the log is the evidence that the frequency rule was met.
Pair the BI log with the pouch and tape records, since chemical indicators prove exposure while the biological indicator proves the kill. Together they give the inspector a complete picture of the sterilization cycle from packaging to release.
Ready-made pages help: a printable sterilization log and a log generator remove the formatting work.
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Take the paperwork with you: download the printable sterilization log sheet, build a month of entries with the log generator, and ask a compliance specialist to review your records before an inspection.
Related reading
Why daily spore testing is the Ontario dental standard · Daily rule vs the US weekly baseline · Sterilization monitoring supplies
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is a spore test required in an Ontario dental office?
Each day the sterilizer is used, and for each type of cycle used that day. The weekly schedule is a US baseline, not the Ontario requirement.
Do I need a separate spore test for every load?
No. The standard is written per day of use and per cycle type, not per load. Implant loads should still be released only after the indicator result is confirmed.
Where is the biological indicator placed?
Inside a process challenge device, which reproduces the resistance of a real load rather than leaving the indicator loose in the chamber.
What should the logbook contain?
Date, sterilizer identifier, cycle type, indicator result, operator initials and the indicator lot number, entered as the test is read.
CliniEco Medical is a licensed medical device establishment (MDEL #35334).
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