Autoclaves must be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Tabletop steam sterilizers are recommended only for office settings.
Following installation of a new sterilizer, the sterilizer must pas at least three consecutive cycles wit the appropriate challenges placed in an empty sterilizer, as well as at least one cycle challenged with a full test load, before the sterilizer can be put into routine service.
For sterilizers of the dynamic air removal type, three consecutive air removal tests shall be conducted in an empty sterilizer with the air detection test pack, as described in the CSA's "Effective sterilization in health care facilities by the steam process.
A sterilizer shall not be approved for use if the biological indicator (BI) yields a positive result on any of the test.
Sterilizers must be monitored with a test load and be fully re-qualified in the following circumstances :