TAPE, AUTOCLAVE STEAM INDICATOR, 50 m x 19 mm
Valid Article
TAPE, AUTOCLAVE STEAM INDICATOR
Definition
A sterilization indicator designed to be placed within a sterilizing chamber, and to respond with a characteristic chemical and/or physical change to one or more of the physical conditions within the chamber, to validate the sterilization process.
Chemical indicator type 1: indicates the exposure to the sterilisation process to allow differentiation between unprocessed items, and / or indicate gross failure of the sterilization process.
Synonym
autoclave tape
Specifications
Quality standards
Technical specifications
- Adhesive crepe paper with white stripes
- Roll, 50 m x 1.9 cm
- Steam-sensitive ink indicator
- Change of colour when in contact with steam:
- at 121ºC for 3 minutes minimum
- at 134ºC for 30 seconds minimum
- Important contrast between colours: white stripes changing to black
- Word "autoclave" written inside the roll / on package
Packaging & Labelling
Unit packaging
Instructions for use
- Seal the packages to be sterilized with autoclave steam indicator tape after having written the content, the date and the number of the sterilization cycle on it (use a ball-point rather than a marker which risks to leak on the tape).
- Fold the end of the tape down in order to ease the opening of the packages.
Remark
The tape indicates that the package has been exposed to steam at 134ºC for 30 seconds and at 121ºC for 3 minutes minimum. It does not guarantee the efficiency of the sterilization process. The sterilization cycles are validated by indicators like TST strips.
(Cf Introduction: Disinfection and sterilization in the field)
Storage
Store in cool, dry conditions, out of direct sunlight
MSF requirements
Double interest: tape to seal the packages and external visual and rapid indicator of going through the autoclave.