ProLine Steam Process Challenge Device

ProLine is a Biological indicator developed by Raven Biological Labs designed for use in the validation or monitoring of steam sterilization cycles of tubing ranging from 1/8" (3mm) to 5/8" (16mm) tubing. The ProLine Process Challenge Device (PCD) contains a filter paper disc impregnated with bacterial spores of Geobacillus stearothermophilus. The spore disc is packaged in a glassine envelope and is located in the centre of the ProLine housing. If adequate steam penetration occurs, the spores on the disc will be deactivated and verify an adequate sterilization cycle.

Assembly: For a given length of tubing, the most difficult area to be sterilized is the mid-point of the tubing length. This is where the ProLine device must be placed. To do this, a representative piece of tubing should be cut at its mid-point. The two lengths of tubing should then be attached to the ProLine device by slipping one end of each piece of tubing over the tapered ends of the ProLine device. The ProLine device is now located in the most difficult area of the tubing to sterilize. Use and Placement: The ProLine system with its two attached lengths of tubing should now be placed in the sterilizer along with a normal load being processed where tubing would normally be included. Post Sterilization Testing: Once the sterilization cycle is completed, the ProLine and attached lengths of tubling should be removed from the sterilizer chamber and transfered to an area where an aseptic transfer of the spore disc to growth media can be performed. To do this, grasp both sides of the ProLine device and break the chamber open exposing the glassine packaged spore disc (see left). The spore disc must now be transfered aseptically to a tube of sterile Tryptone Soy Broth (TSB) and incubated at 55-60°C for growth/no growth testing. The opened ProLine device halves can now be discarded as the device is a single-use product.

For further information, e-mail info@m-techdiagnostics.ltd.uk