An autoclave log sheet records every sterilizer load: the date, the contents, the time, temperature and pressure reached, the chemical indicator results and who checked it. CDC says to check those for every load, run a spore test at least weekly on each sterilizer and keep the records as long as your state requires.
Download the free PDF below. It has three sheets: a cycle log, a weekly spore test log and a maintenance log.
What's in the free autoclave log sheet
The PDF prints on letter paper, one sheet per page, in landscape:
- Sterilizer cycle log. One row per load, 18 rows a page.
- Weekly spore test log. One row per spore test, with lot numbers and the action taken if a test is positive.
- Sterilizer maintenance log. Cleaning, gasket checks, water changes, service and repairs.
Use one set per sterilizer. Write the make, model and serial number at the top so an inspector can match the log to the machine.
Sterilizer cycle log
complyday.com| Date | Cycle or load no. | Cycle type | Contents | Temp | Time at temp | Pressure | Internal indicator OK (Y/N) | External indicator OK (Y/N) | Initials | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Check the gauges, display or printout every load. Don't use a package if the cycle didn't reach the manufacturer's settings or its indicator didn't change color. Source: CDC, Best Practices for Sterilization Monitoring in Dental Settings.
Open the printable version or use the download button.
What to record for every load
CDC's sterilization monitoring guidance has three parts. The cycle log covers the first two.
- Mechanical monitoring, every load. Check the gauges, display or printout and write down the temperature, the time at temperature and the pressure. Compare them with the settings in the manufacturer's instructions. If the cycle didn't reach them, don't use the packages.
- Chemical indicators, every package. CDC says to put a chemical indicator inside every package, and an external indicator too when the internal one can't be seen. Check them as soon as you take the packages out. If the color didn't change, don't use the instruments. Record the result as Y or N.
- Who checked it. Initials on every row show who ran and checked the load.
How to fill in the cycle log
- Write the date and the cycle or load number from the sterilizer's display or printout.
- Note the cycle type (for example wrapped, unwrapped or pouches) and what was in the load (for example "hygiene cassettes, 4 pouches").
- When the cycle ends, write the temperature, time at temperature and pressure it reached.
- Check the internal and external indicators and mark Y or N.
- Initial the row. If anything failed, write what you did in Notes (reprocessed the load, called for service).
Staple or file the sterilizer's printouts behind the sheet for the same month.
Weekly spore test log
A spore test (biological indicator) is the only check that shows the sterilizer actually killed highly resistant spores. CDC says to:
- Run a spore test at least weekly on each sterilizer.
- Use a matching control from the same lot as the test.
- Run a spore test on every load that contains an implantable device, and ideally hold the implant until the result is negative.
Several state dental boards make this a legal rule. California's infection control regulation, for example, requires weekly spore testing of every sterilizer and keeping the results for 12 months.
Record the date the test was run, the cycle it went through, the test and control lot numbers, whether it went to a mail-in service or was read in the office, the result and who read it.
If a spore test is positive
CDC's steps, in order:
- Take the sterilizer out of service and review how it was loaded and run.
- Recall and quarantine any implantable items from that load until they are shown to be sterile. Other items don't necessarily need to be recalled.
- Repeat the spore test right away, on the same cycle that produced the positive result.
- If the repeat test is negative and the procedures were correct, put the sterilizer back in service.
- If the repeat test is also positive, keep the sterilizer out of service until it has been inspected or repaired and then passes spore tests in three consecutive fully loaded cycles. Where possible, recall and reprocess items from suspect loads back to the last negative test.
Write each step and its date in the "Action if positive" column.
Sterilizer maintenance log
Your sterilizer's instructions for use list the routine tasks and how often to do them, such as cleaning the chamber, checking the door gasket, changing the water reservoir and cleaning the filters. Log each one with the date and who did it, plus service visits and parts replaced. When a spore test fails, this log is the first place to look for a cause.
How long to keep sterilization records
CDC says to keep mechanical, chemical and biological monitoring records long enough to meet your state and local rules. Rules differ by state, so check your state dental board. California requires 12 months for spore test results.
Keep the logs where staff and an inspector can find them. Your exposure control plan can name where they're kept.
Paper log or an app
Paper works if someone fills it in every load and the sheets don't go missing. The common gaps are blank rows on busy days, a missed weekly spore test that nobody notices until an inspection, and no record of what was done after a failed test. An app that reminds you and timestamps each entry closes those gaps. Either way, the content of the record is the same. For the rest of your yearly OSHA work, use the dental OSHA compliance checklist.