3M unveils 24-minute in-house sterilization monitoring system

3M has unveiled a new 24-minute in-house sterilization monitoring solution, the Attest™ Mini Auto-reader 490M, the company announced last week. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), biological indicators, or spore tests, are the most accepted method for monitoring the sterilization process and are recommended at least once per week. Theses tests monitor the killing of a large population of resistant microorganisms and provider assurance to dental practices that their sterilization parameters have been met.

The issue here, though, according to 3M, is that the current testing system can take anywhere from 24 hours to one week for results to be processed. During that time, a malfunctioning sterilizer could be left in use, processing instruments used on patients. However, with the new Attest system, dental teams will no longer have long waits for results.

“Routine monitoring using super rapid biological indicator technology can help reduce the risk of patient exposure to contaminated dental instruments,” said Eric Wenzel, director, 3M oral care solutions division. “And, the compact size and competitive price of the Attest™ Mini Auto- reader makes in-office monitoring, not just possible but practical for dental offices.”

The Attest Mini Auto-reader is designed to incubate and read Attest Super Rapid Readout Biological Indicators 1491 and 1492V for a final fluorescent result in 24 minutes. Now, dental practices have access to the same small, easy-to-use monitoring system found in hospitals.

For more information, visit go.3M.com/490M.