Indicator ink for sterilization processes.

Chemink® IKW4 washing Indicator Ink contains a mixture of colored components (proteins, sugars and colored fatty acids) specially designed to monitor the washing efficiency in thermal disinfection washing machines. IKW4 poses a high challenge to the washing process and it can be removed from metallic surfaces.

Washability depends on the presence, type and concentration of detergent; temperature and pressure of the washing solution and cycle time. The indicators efficiency is validated by comparing against the test soils detailed in ISO/TS 15883-5:2005 standard (Annex N).

The IKW4 ink could also be used for validating cleaning processes in ultrasonic washing machines operating at frequencies equal to or greater than 35 kHz, between 20 °C and 65 °C, in synergy with detergents suitable for this process.

IMPORTANT: Chemink® IKW4 Indicator Ink should be used as a validation tool for washing processes. Its application, the amount placed and sites where adhered depend on the methodologies applied by the user. It is recommended for use in difficult-to-wash areas of metallic surgical materials.

Instructions for use

1. Shake before use.

2. Remove the brush from the bottle and apply a thin film of indicating ink on the surface of the product to clean. IMPORTANT: apply on those areas that are inaccessible to the washing solution, for example, hinges of metallic surgical instruments, serrated edges or box joints. The thickness of the layer spread affects the result.

3. Leave to air dry for 30 minutes.

4. After ink is dry, place the material to clean on the tray and subject to the selected washing cycle.

5. Once the cleaning process has finished; remove the material from the washer.

6. Visually observe the presence of remaining indicator ink on the material. Analyze results.