At Sychem, we offer an extensive portfolio of Decontamination Equipment, Infection Control Consumables, Workstations and our specialist range of Chemicals.
We supply a diverse range of Infection Control Consumables to various industries, including Life Science Research Facilities, Laboratories, Private Healthcare, and NHS Pathology.
Biological Indicators
At Sychem, we provide a range of Biological Indicators and auto-reading incubators to monitor Infection Control. A Biological Indicator is used to confirm whether Decontamination equipment is operating as it should be. With our extensive portfolio of Steelco Autoclaves, the use of Biological Indicators is crucial to ensure the machine is working safely and correctly.
How Does a Biological Indicator Work?
Biological indicators are often referred to as BI’s and are defined by ISO, AAMI or ANSI standards.
A Biological Indicator test is typically provided in a paper wrap or vial, to provide easy application into a process. These tests contain viable microorganisms, providing a very defined resistance to specific Steam or Chemical Sterilisation processes. The Biological Indicator then gives the user information regarding whether the necessary conditions were met during the Sterilisation process, to kill the specific number of microorganisms present within the Biological Indicator. This, in turn, proves that the process is working correctly and is operating within specification.
What Microorganisms are Present within Biological Indicators?
Endospores, or bacterial spores, are the microorganisms that are primarily used in Biological Indicators, as they are considered some of the toughest microorganisms to kill. In addition, bacterial spores are specifically chosen for certain sterilisation processes, due to their known resistance to that particular method. For example, Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores are used in Biological Indicators that monitor steam and vaporised hydrogen peroxide, as they possess a high degree of resistance towards these sterilisation methods.
The indicator provides information on whether necessary conditions were met to kill a specified number of microorganisms set by ISO for a given sterilisation process. This provides a level of confidence in the process. Biological indicators are more frequently used in facilities in the USA but are becoming more popular in the UK. Our biological indicators use the most resistant living form to challenge your sterilisation process. Therefore, a Biological indicator is one of the most comprehensive ways to test that your sterilisation process is working.
What Range Does Sychem Offer?
- In a UK exclusive partnership with Terragene, we provide a wide range of self-contained biological indicators and auto-readers incubators. Our products include:
- IC10/20FRLCD- An auto-reading incubator with an LCD screen, for incubation & readout of biological indicators and hygiene monitoring systems.
- IC10/20FR- An auto-reading incubator for incubation and readout of biological indicators and hygiene monitoring systems.
- Mini Bio- An auto-reading incubator for the readout of Bionova® Biological indicators.
- BT222- A 1h Biological Indicator for Steam.
- BT224- A 20min Biological Indicator for Steam.
- BT95- A 2h Biological Indicator for Hydrogen Peroxide.
- BT96- A 30min Biological Indicator for Hydrogen Peroxide.
- BT97- A 1h Biological Indicator for room disinfection with H2O2.
- BS-H Holder- A Biological Indicator holder for room disinfection.
- BT220- A 3h Biological Indicator for Steam.
- BT110- A 4h Biological Indicator for EtO.
- BT102- A 2h Biological Indicator for LTSF.
- BT80- A 48h Biological Indicator for Moist Heat decontamination.
- BT91- A 24h Biological Indicator for Hydrogen Peroxide.
- BT93/5- A Spore coupon for Hydrogen Peroxide.
- BT94- A 48h Biological Indicator for room disinfection with aerosolised H2O2.
- BT221- A 1h Biological Indicator for Steam (Gravity Displacement – IUSS).
- BT222-T- A 1h Biological Indicator for Steam (One-by-one traceability).
- BT223- A 30min Biological Indicator for Steam (Gravity Displacement – IUSS).
Find out more about our partnership with Terragene visit their website, or to find out more about our full range, view our Biological Indicators page, or enquire now.