Surgical Instrument Reprocessing Glossary

The number of viable microorganisms contaminating an object or surface before sterilization.

The process of decreasing the number of viable microorganisms on instruments before sterilization.

Laboratory analysis to quantify the number and types of viable microorganisms present on medical devices before steriliz...

The ability of medical devices and materials to perform their function without causing adverse biological responses.

Testing to ensure medical devices and their sterilization residues are safe for human contact.

A structured microbial community encased in a self-produced polymeric matrix that adheres strongly to instrument surface...

Test device containing viable microorganisms used to monitor sterilization process efficacy.

The controlled growth phase where processed biological indicators are maintained under specific temperature and time con...