What is a PCD?
A PCD is a process challenge device. This device is to be equal or greater than the most difficult item that is routinely sterilized such as a large pack or tray. Often the device is assembled in-house using towels folded and stacked with a BI (biological indicator) or CI (chemical indicator) in the center of the stacked towels. A PCD should be representative of a package or tray that routinely is processed through the sterilizer. PCDs are also sold commercially (See Sterility Assurance Products) that are FDA cleared, although there is no universally accepted PCD for table top sterilizers. PCDs that are commercially available present a challenge to your sterilizer using a BI or CI in the center of the pack, but it may not represent your own particular tray or pack, which is why we recommend that the user sets up their own PCD device as noted above. For more technical information, contact us at info@autoclavesporetesting.com.
