Ask the expert: Retaining sterilization records and logs
Q: How many years should we keep sterilization records and logs?
A: The HCPro OSHA Safety Program manual says to keep sterilization records and logs for three years, because that is the recommendation of the Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities, 2008 (See page 92).
From a practical and legal perspective you want a record retention policy that allows you to be able to respond should a recall or sterilization malfunction issues arise. All that is a round about way of saying, “It depends.”
APIC keeps the ambiguity going in “Infection Control in Ambulatory Care,” by saying: “To determine how long written logs should be kept, consult legal counsel or, if the site is associated with a larger institution or hospital, the infection control department.
I would add, consult with your local or state health department to see about state-specific regulations and with your accrediting organization if applicable.
Go to the Tools page to download a free sterilizer (autoclave) log.
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David LaHoda
David LaHoda is the managing editor of the OSHA Healthcare Advisor, the weekly ezine OSHA Healthcare Connection, Medical Environment Update, HCPro's Basic OSHA Compliance Manual Kits for medical or dental practices, and the OSHA online training materials for ambulatory healthcare facilities.
David has written 792 posts.
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How long is an office to keep records on Hazardous waste removal from a dental office.
How long is an office to keep (medical waste tracking) records and occupational radiation reports?
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