Skip to Primary Navigation Skip to Site Navigation Skip to Main Content
Understanding Steam Sterilization Load and Pack Monitoring Devices




Biological Indicators / Class 5 Integrating
Indicators/ Class 6 Emulating Indicators

Sterilization Assurance
The electronic information resource for sterilization assurance professionals.
» Visit Attest™ Sterile U Online to register

3M Recommendations

What does 3M recommend regarding load and pack monitoring with biological indicators, Class 5 integrating indicators, and Class 6 emulating indicators?

3M recommendations for load monitoring:

  • To monitor to the highest level of assurance, 3M considers Every Load Monitoring with a BI to be a best practice.
    • Daily and implant loads, preferably every load monitoring, using a Process Challenge Device (PCD) containing a biological indicator.
    • A PCD containing a BI and Class 5 integrating indicator in every load containing implants.
    • A class 5 integrating indicator may be used within a PCD to monitor non-implant sterilizer loads.

3M recommendations for pack monitoring:

  • To monitor to the highest level of assurance use one or more Class 5 Integrating Indicators inside each package or container.
    • Following AAMI ST79 recommended practice by using a Class 4 or Class 5 CI inside each package. (Section 10.5.2.2.2 Internal Chemical Indicators)
    • A Class 6 Emulating Indicator could be used as an internal indicator at the pack/tray level in cycles for which it is labeled.