DES controllers

DES controller: reliable validation of disinfection processes

What is the DES controller?

The DES controller is an advanced bio-indicator that allows you to easily determine how effective a textile washing process or room disinfection, such as H₂O₂ fogging, kills off bacteria. Want to know more about the DES controller? Feel free to contact us!

How does the DES controller work?

The DES controller measures the degree of germ reduction in disinfection processes. The tool makes it possible to quantify the effect of the applied temperature and/or disinfectants. After use, you send the DES controller to our laboratory. Here we analyze the results and you receive a detailed report on germ reduction. This way you know for sure whether your process goals have been achieved or if adjustments are needed.

The indicator organisms in the DES controller are protected by a semipermeable membrane that is mechanically, chemically and thermally resistant. This membrane prevents test bacteria from being washed off the germ bearers, while water and disinfectants pass unimpeded. As a result, the organisms go true the complete disinfection procedure and the actual degree of germ reduction can be assessed afterwards.

Advantages of the DES controller

• Reliable results: Measure germ reduction accurately and objectively.
• Safe to use: No risk of contamination thanks to embedded indicator organisms.
• Easy transportation and storage: Thanks to the semi-permeable membrane, there is no chance of recontamination.
• Easy to use: Ready for direct application in washing machines, dishwashers, autoclaves and sterilizers or disinfection rooms.
• Quantitative results: Objective measurements that provide insight into process performance.

Accurate results with compartments
The DES controller is divided into compartments with normalized germ bearers, which contain different amounts of indicator organisms, such as:

• KT3-7: 10⁵, 10⁶, 10⁷.
• KT4-6: 10³, 10⁴, 10⁵, 10⁶.

During the procedure, the DES controller is co-washed in a washing machine or dishwasher or just hung up in a disinfection room or simply added to the materials in the sterilizer or autoclave. We then measure the germ reduction in the laboratory. For textile washing processes, we also recommend the use of a industrial cleaning moniter to simultaneously also assess the performance on dirt and stain removal.

Indicator organisms

For textile washing processes, often Enterococcus faecium (ATCC-6057), a non-spore-forming bacterium known as a reliable indicator of disinfection, is used. This microorganism remains stable over extended periods of time, guaranteeing consistent results.

Depending on the application, other indicator organisms may be used, such as:

• Geobacillus stearothermophilus for room disinfection or sterilizers.
• Bacillus atrophaeus for autoclaves or sterilizers.
• Staphylococcus aureus, in combination with Enterococcus faecium, for more extensive testing (DES controller 3004STEF).

In addition, DES controllers containing Candida albicans, Escherichia coli (E. coli) Bacillus subtilis or Bacillus cereus are also available for specific applications,

Applications

The DES controller was developed in cooperation with the “Institut für Hygiene der medizinischen Universität” in Lübeck, Germany. The application can be used in various hygienic processes, including:

• Textile washing machines.
• Dishwashers.
• H₂O₂-space disinfection (nebulizing or fogging).
• Bedpan washers and other automatic disinfection systems.
• Stelisators and autoclaves.

Performance of the test

The DES controller is usually applied by the client itself. After use, you send the bioindicator to our laboratory for analysis. The analysis is done according to established protocols (ISO 9001:2015). If bacteria are detected, we always perform a confirmation reaction. The final results, including any confirmations, are clearly reported.

With the DES controller you ensure the reliability of your disinfection processes and meet the highest hygiene standards. Contact us for more information or advice!