In recent times humanity has fought against some very dangerous viruses. It is more crucial than ever to stay vigilant against germs and viruses. Therefore, modern-day science brings us new tools to help us fight against untimely sickness. A Sterigage Chemical Indicator is nothing less than a blessing that will revolutionize our approach to a healthier life.
What is a Chemical Indicator?
A Sterigage chemical indicator is an instrument that is utilized to verify the presence of safety. It indicates that a sterilization procedure is doing its job or to test sterilization equipment. For instance, when placed inside packaging and containers, chemical indicators are utilized to verify that the sterilant has achieved adequate penetration into the objects being sterilized. Chemical indicators are useful as external and internal indicators and are used in routine testing of performance and load releases. It is crucial to remember that using chemical indicators alone does not guarantee that an item is sterile. Chemical indicators should always be part of your comprehensive quality control plan, along with physical and biological indicators, to ensure that the sterilization requirements are fulfilled.
Basic Parameters of Chemical Indicators?
The key purpose of chemical indicators is to tell if a particular set of tools are sterilized or not. They are used to check whether the necessary parameters for sterilization have been accomplished. Chemical indicators use various chemicals to determine if sterilization is achieved. These chemicals undergo a chemical or physical alteration, which is visible to the naked eye after exposure to specified parameters, such as:
- Time
- Temperature
- Steam penetration
Some chemical indicators use a chemical pellet, which changes from a solid phase to a liquid phase once the material is subjected to heat; when it becomes liquid, the material wicks across a strip of paper and becomes visible through a window, which shows approval or disapproval. Another kind of chemical indicator uses several chemical reactions to cause an alteration in chemical composition. The chemical in the indicator ink reacts with any of the critical factors of the sterilization process. It undergoes chemical reactions to alter the color of the indicator ink to its final point.
The change in chemical or physical form can be observed and considered an outcome that is either passed or failed.
Types of Sterilization In which Chemical Indicators are used:
Chemical indicators are prominently used to ensure that full sterilization is being achieved, and they are an important part of the health sector. They are recommended in all sterilization methods, such as:
- Hydrogen peroxide sterilization
- Ethylene oxide sterilization
- Peracetic Acid Sterilization.
- Flash Sterilization
Staff at every health sector must always heed the manufacturer’s guidelines and those of healthcare compliance organizations when employing chemical indicators for sterilization assurance monitoring.
Chemical indicators are necessary for the steam sterilization procedure to confirm that the necessary conditions of the process were fulfilled. The method of employing chemical indicators in an autoclave depends on the type of indicator used and the sterilization process. Chemical indicators must be utilized alongside physical monitors and any other measure that is appropriate to ensure sterilization assurance.
Types of Chemical Indicators:
There are six basic types of chemical indicators. All these types vary from one another; however, they all have the same objective.
- Type 1
They are basically tapes that identify if a particular set of items is sterilized properly. Their objective is to differentiate between processed and unprocessed loads.
- Type 2
They are used to test specific standards. For example, the Bowie Dick test is used to check the efficiency of air removal. It may also process steam penetration.
- Type 3
This type is seldom used in the health care sector; however, the objective of this type is to test one parameter, such as the temperature. For example, a chemical pellet that melts at a specific temperature.
- Type 4
This type is also seldom used in the health care sector. However, their objective is to test two or more parameters. For example, a chemical used to measure temperature held for a specific amount of time
- Type 5
This is the most commonly used chemical indicator for pack monitoring. They test all the important parameters. For example, they can be strips placed inside packs and can be used on a variety of sterilization cycles.
- Type 6
A type 6 chemical indicator is used to monitor extended cycle monitoring. They also test all important parameters but for specific cycles. For example, when the strips are placed in packs, they respond to and monitor specific cycles, like pre-vacuum of 270°F/132°C 10-minute steam sterilization cycles.
What is the 3M Comply SteriGage chemical integrator?
The 3M Comply SteriGage Chemical Integrator is also an Integrator strip specifically designed to show the precision of the conditions used in the steam sterilization process. The strip monitors time, steam, and temperature to determine if sterilization conditions for each pack have been met. The strips are best used solely for steam sterilization processes.
The strips are simple to use and can be used for various steam sterilization cycles that span from 250° to 275° Fahrenheit. The strips come with an indicator strip that is simple to read and offers an increased degree of accuracy in reading over other integrators used for similar functions. The ribbon is divided into two sections that have “Accept” and “Reject” marked on either end. To show the outcome of the process, the strip comes equipped with forward-moving ink technology, which can offer a degree of acceptance and rejection. The ink is activated when it is placed into a pack. The integrator is specifically designed to meet the most stringent performance standards and hence is referred to as an integrator strip of class 5.
Where can you find the best 3M Comply SteriGage Chemical Integrators?
Penguin Health provides you with high-quality chemical indicators. We grant you a variety of different chemical indicators for a better assessment of your tools. To bestow your clients with the best health service, contact us today. We are just one click away from delivering you the best Sterigage Chemical Integrators.