Tuttnauer Integrators / Type 5 (250 ct. bag) OEM WTL198-0082

What are chemical indicators and why are they used?

Chemical indicators (CIs), as defined by the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO), are devices used to monitor the presence or attainment of one or more of the parameters required for a satisfactory sterilization process or used in a specific test of sterilization equipment. For example, when placed inside packs, chemical indicators are used to confirm that sterilant achieved good penetration in the items being sterilized.

When chemical indicators are used as part of a comprehensive quality control program, they can capture failures, such as malfunctioning equipment and technician errors, that could result in a non-sterile device. The use of chemical indicators in sterilization provides confidence in the effective reprocessing of medical devices.