Monthly Archives: September 2025
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September 03, 2025
For decades, the aluminum foil test has been the go-to method for checking ultrasonic cleaners in dental, medical, and laboratory settings. It’s simple, inexpensive, and provides a visual confirmation that cavitation, the core cleaning action of an ultrasonic unit, is happening. But as our understanding of infection prevention and control has evolved, so too has the need for more accurate, clinically relevant verification methods.
The truth is, while the foil test might tell you that your ultrasonic unit is producing bubbles, it can’t tell you whether it’s actually cleaning instruments to the standard required for patient safety. This is where soil indicators come in.
The Limits of the Foil Test
The foil test works by running the ultrasonic cycle with pieces of aluminum foil suspended in the tank, then inspecting for pitting or perfo
