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Chemical Indicators for Sterilization

WHAT ARE CHEMICAL INDICATORS?

Chemical indicators monitor whether the parameters to achieve sterilization have been met for a specific sterilization process, such as steam or vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilization. After exposure to predetermined critical parameters like temperature, time, or sterilant, chemical indicators undergo physical or chemical changes visible to the human eye.

STERIS offers a variety of chemical indicators for use in steam sterilization, low-temperature sterilization (including both V-PRO® or STERRAD™*), and challenge packs. Browse available chemical indicators based on indicator Type (previously known as Class), standard cycles, and product features.

STEAM STERILIZATION

Chemical indicators for steam sterilization are placed inside packages or sets to be processed in an autoclave or steam sterilizer. They can indicate sterilization failures once packs are opened in the procedure or operating room. Refer to the instructions for use for specific cycle details.
STERIS type 5 integrating indicators.
VERIFY™ STEAM Integrating Indicator
  • Type 5  Integrating Indicator
  • Cycles:  Various gravity, prevacuum, and immediate use steam sterilization (IUSS) cycles
  • Features:  Moving-front ink technology provides a clear interpretation of pass/fail
VERIFY SixCess MF4 STEAM Emulating Indicator
VERIFY™ SixCess™ MF4 STEAM Emulating Indicator
  • Type 6 Emulating Indicator
  • Cycles:  Prevacuum 132°C (270°F), 4-minute
  • Features:  Moving-front ink technology provides a clear interpretation of pass/fail
VERIFY SixCess Steam Indicator Strips
VERIFY™ SixCess® Steam Indicator Strips
  • Type 6  Emulating Indicator
  • Cycles:  Specific gravity, prevacuum, and Dynamic Air Removal cycles
  • Features:  Provides a distinct color change of yellow to blue/purple when sterilization cycle conditions are achieved
Celerity 10 STEAM Chemical Indicator
Celerity™ 10 STEAM Chemical Indicator
  • Type 6  Emulating Indicator
  • Cycles:  Extended 132°C (270°F) 10-minute Dynamic Air Removal
  • Features:  Distinct yellow to blue/purple color change designed for easy interpretation
VERIFY SixCess Flash Indicators for steam sterilization.
VERIFY™ SixCess® Flash Indicators
  • Type 6  Emulating Indicator
  • Cycles:  Immediate Use Steam Sterilization (IUSS) Cycles
  • Features:  Distinct yellow to blue/purple color change indicates conditions for IUSS cycles were met
VERIFY Steam Integrator Strips for select steam sterilization cycles.
VERIFY™ Steam Integrator Strips
  • Chemical Integrator
  • Cycles:  132°C (270°F) prevacuum, and 121°C (250°F) or 132°C (270°F) gravity
  • Features:  Color-changing ink verifies exposure to sterilant
VERIFY Flash Integrator
VERIFY™ Flash Integrator
  • Chemical Integrator
  • Cycles:  132°C (270°F) Immediate Use Steam Sterilization (IUSS)
  • Features:  Color-changing ink indicates that conditions for the IUSS cycle were met

V-PRO™ OR STERRAD™

Chemical indicators for VH2O2 (vaporized hydrogen peroxide) sterilization in either a V-PRO Low Temperature Sterilization System or STERRAD™ Models are similar to those used in steam. STERIS Indicator strips are placed in packs or containers for sterilization. A physical or chemical change can be observed and interpreted as a pass or fail result for time, temperature, and sterilant exposure. Refer to the instructions for use for specific cycle details. 
Celerity HP Multivariable Chemical Indicator
Celerity™ HP Multivariable Chemical Indicator
  • Type 4  Multivariable Indicator
  • Cycles:  For use in both V-PRO™ Low Temperature Sterilization Systems and STERRAD Models*
  • Features:  Verifies the three key parameters of time, temperature, and sterilant exposure have been met
Celerity CI unexposed
Celerity™ HP Chemical Indicator
  • Type 1 Process Indicator
  • Cycles: For use in both V-PRO™ Low Temperature Sterilization Systems and STERRAD Models*
  • Features:  Color-changing ink verifies exposure to sterilant

VERIFY HPU Chemical Indicator
VERIFY™ HPU Chemical Indicator
  • Type 1 Process Indicator
  • Cycles: For use in V-PRO™ Low Temperature Sterilization Systems
  • Features:  Color-changing ink verifies exposure to sterilant

steam challenge packs

Pre-assembled challenge packs for steam sterilization are cycle-specific challenge packs designed to monitor steam sterilization cycle performance. These packs may be used to confirm sterilizer performance or monitor sterilization cycles, consistent with hospital policy, for the specific steam sterilization cycles.
VERIFY SixCess Challenge Packs
VERIFY™ SixCess® Challenge Packs
  • Type 6 Emulating Indicator
  • Cycles: Monitors 132°C (270°F) 4-minute or 135°C (275°F) 3-minute prevacuum steam cycles
  • Features: Consists of a series of barriers with a distinct color-changing indicator in the center
VERIFY SixCess Extended Timing Challenge Pack
VERIFY™ SixCess® Extended Timing Challenge Pack
  • Type 6 Emulating Indicator
  • Cycles: Monitors 132°C (270°F) 4, 10 or 20-minute steam cycles
  • Features: Consists of a series of barriers with a distinct color-changing indicator in the center

*STERRAD is a trademark of ASP Global Manufacturing, GmbH