What should be used to ensure proper function of autoclave?

• A. Temperature indicator strip
• B. Chemical indicator tape
• C. Sterilization logbook
• D. Microbe strips

Answer: (D)

The crucial idea is verification of sterility, not just that the machine ran. Biological indicators, like microbe strips, test the actual sterilization effect by exposing highly resistant spore organisms to the cycle. After incubation, if there’s no growth, you’ve got evidence that the autoclave functioned properly for that load. Temperature indicator strips and chemical indicator tape only show that the right conditions were reached or that exposure occurred, but they don’t confirm that all organisms were killed. A sterilization logbook records what happened but doesn’t prove sterility either. So using microbe strips provides the definitive check that the autoclave performed its intended function.