1、 Basic principles

The sterilization indicator tape is made by printing specific chemical indicators on its surface. These chemical indicators are sensitive to different sterilization conditions, such as temperature, pressure, chemical gas concentration, etc. During the sterilization process, when the predetermined sterilization conditions are reached, the chemical indicator will undergo a chemical reaction, resulting in a color change. By observing color changes, it is possible to determine whether an item has undergone effective sterilization treatment.

2、 Common types and principles

Pressure steam sterilization indicator tape

Principle: Ink is made using thermosensitive chemical reagents and printed on adhesive tape. After the prescribed pressure steam sterilization cycle, the thermosensitive chemical reagent undergoes a color change due to temperature changes, usually from light yellow to dark black.

Application: Suitable for pressure steam sterilizers at 121 ℃ and 132 ℃, used to indicate whether the sterilization process has been completed.

Ethylene oxide sterilization indicator tape

Principle: Based on the color change principle of chemical indicators, but for ethylene oxide sterilization conditions. When the concentration, temperature, and humidity of ethylene oxide reach the predetermined values, the chemical indicator on the indicator strip will change from red to green, indicating that the item has undergone ethylene oxide sterilization treatment.

Application: Used to indicate whether the sterilization package has undergone ethylene oxide sterilization process.

Plasma sterilization indicator tape

Principle: Suitable for plasma sterilization conditions, the sterilization status is indicated by a specific chemical indicator that undergoes a color change in the plasma environment. Usually changing from grass green to beige or yellow indicates that the sterilization package has undergone plasma sterilization treatment.

Application: Used to indicate whether the sterilization package has undergone plasma sterilization treatment.

3、 Precautions for use

Correct attachment: The sterilization indicator tape should be correctly attached to the item to be sterilized, ensuring that it can fully contact and feel the sterilization conditions during the sterilization process.

Avoid moisture: The indicator tape should not be attached to damp objects, nor should it get wet, otherwise it may affect its adhesion effect or cause inaccurate color changes.

Storage conditions: It should be stored indoors in a cool, dark, and dry environment to ensure its stability and accuracy.

Result judgment: After the sterilization cycle, the item should be accurately judged whether it has been sterilized based on the color change on the indicator tape. Meanwhile, attention should also be paid to distinguishing whether the color changes meet the qualified standards.

4、 Summary

The sterilization indicator strip visually reflects the sterilization status of an item through the color change of a chemical indicator under specific sterilization conditions. Different types of sterilization indicator tapes are suitable for different sterilization methods, with their own principles and application characteristics. During use, the operating specifications should be strictly followed to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the indicator tape.