Chemical Indicators (CIs), is defined by the AAMI & ISO, are the devices used to monitor the presence of one or more of the parameters needed for a satisfactory sterilization process. It can also be used in a specific test of sterilization equipment. Chemical indicators are also used as internal & external indicators, and they can also act as a part of routine performance testing & load release. But always remember that they are not alone able to confirm that an item is sterile.
In addition to this, the Chemical indicators must be used as part of the comprehensive quality control program. It includes the use of biological indicators & physical monitors to ensure that the conditions for sterilization were met.
Whenever we use the chemical indicators as part of a comprehensive quality control program, they may capture failures, like malfunctioning equipment & technician errors. It may result in a non-sterile device. Therefore, you can say that the use of chemical indicators in sterilization offers confidence in the effective reprocessing of most medical devices.
Some uses & applications of Chemical Indicators
There are immense uses of chemical indicators in the laboratories. The indicators basically comprise one or more chemicals which can visibly change in color whenever it is effectively exposed to specific sterilizing parameters. The indicators containing chemicals which are affected by high heat are used to confirm if an item which has been subjected to the sterilization process.
Many companies offer various types of chemical indicators. Choose the company that is known for providing top-quality chemical indicators. The chemical indicators which respond to a combination of conditions, like time, temperature, moisture, gas concentration, & humidity, are good to go. Chemical indicators offer instant verification, thus making it a key part of any sterility assurance program.
How do Chemical Indicators work?
Basically, the Chemical indicators use one or more chemicals which undergo either a physical or chemical change, which is actually visible to the human eye, after the exposure to predetermined parameters like time, temperature & sterilant.
Generally, the chemical indicator design that changes physically is a steam indicator strip where the chemical indicator makes use of a chemical pellet. It will changes from a solid state to a liquid state whenever exposed to steam. Once in a liquid state, the material will wick along a paper strip & it is visible via a window in the chemical indicator.
Another type of chemical indicator uses one or more chemical reactions to bring the chemical change. The chemical present in the indicator ink will react to one or more of the critical parameters of the sterilization process & this will undergo a chemical reaction to alter & change the color of the indicator ink to its endpoint color.
End Words
I hope, you will get the clear idea about the Chemical Indicators. This chemical change is observed & then interpreted as a pass or fail result. It can help Sterile Processing Staff & Surgical Technologists to decide whether to release a set of instruments for use. If you want to know to buy the best quality of chemical indicators, visit the official website of Jade Scientific INC.
