What must be ensured regarding sterilization cycle records?

Ensuring that records include the date of sterilization is critical for multiple reasons. First, it allows for proper tracking of sterilization cycles, which is vital in maintaining patient safety and ensuring that instruments are used within their sterile shelf life. Knowing the date of sterilization helps surgical teams confirm that instruments have been sterilized within the appropriate time frame before being utilized in procedures.

Additionally, the date helps in audits or quality control assessments by providing a clear timeline of when sterilization was performed. This documentation is essential in case of any contamination or infection concerns that may arise post-surgery, as it can help trace back to potential issues related to instrument sterilization.

While other records such as sterilization temperature and tracking of individual instruments can be important for comprehensive process management, the inclusion of the date serves as a fundamental piece of information directly related to the validity of the sterilization process and the instruments' readiness for safe use in surgical procedures.