Six Current Methods for Monitoring The Effectiveness of Sterilization⑤

PCD test (★★★★★)

A PCD test is used to test the sterilization effectiveness of Class A cavity loads. It is an upgrade of the chemical indicator and BD tests, and is the most difficult sterilization effect test to pass. It consists of a 1.5-meter-long tube with a 1.5mm internal diameter, closed at one end, with a test paper inserted, and open at the other end. For the paper to change color, the air inside the tube must first be removed, after which saturated steam is passed through to trigger the color change in the paper.

According to WS506-2016 E.2.2 chemical monitoring regulations:

E.2.2.1 Chemical monitoring should be conducted for each sterilization cycle, and the results recorded.

E.2.2.2 Cavity instruments can be monitored by chemical PCD.

A dental handpiece is a typical cavity load, and this device is used to test the  

sterilization effect when sterilizing dental handpieces.