Assessment of Sterilization Equipment Performance and Quality Control at Central Sterile Services Departments in Jos, Plateau State

Central Sterile Services Departments are critical infection control infrastructure in Nigerian hospitals, and the performance of sterilization equipment in these departments directly determines surgical patient safety. This study assesses sterilization equipment performance and quality control practices at Central Sterile Services Departments of three hospitals in Jos, Plateau State. Steam autoclave performance was evaluated using Bowie-Dick test packs for steam penetration in pre-vacuum autoclaves, biological indicators (Geobacillus stearothermophilus spore strips) for sterility assurance, and chemical indicator strips as routine process monitoring. Ethylene oxide sterilizer performance was assessed where present. Physical parameter recording, specifically temperature, pressure, and exposure time, was reviewed for the past thirty cycles at each facility. Results show that Bowie-Dick tests were being performed at appropriate daily frequency at only one of three facilities. Biological indicator testing was conducted weekly at one facility and absent at two. Chemical indicators were used consistently across all three facilities for cycle monitoring. Physical parameter records revealed three failed cycles in the past thirty cycles at one facility that had not been investigated or documented as non-conformances. Ethylene oxide sterilizer calibration records were absent. Load configuration practices, including instrument wrapping and load density, were non-compliant with recommended standards at all three facilities. Staff had not received formal sterilization technology training within the past three years at two facilities. The study recommends mandatory biological indicator testing, formal staff retraining, and adoption of a sterilization quality management system across Plateau State hospital sterile services. Keywords: sterilization equipment, central sterile services, quality control, autoclave, Plateau State.