CD63-ST/ Chemical Indicator For monitoring disinfection processes of surfaces by means of Quaternary Ammonium.

It has been proved that many microorganisms may be inactivated by using quaternary ammonium salts (QUATS). These cationic surfactants interfere with the functions of the bacterial cell membranes and the lipid capsid of the virus, releasing the contents outside the cell, thus rendering them inactive.

The minimum doses of quaternary ammonium needed to achieve a certain reduction in the microbial charge depends not only on the particular microorganism but also on additional factors such as the dirt present in the environment, the temperature, the humidity and time of exposure to the chemical agent. Because of the aforesaid, it is of utmost importance to check that all the surfaces to be disinfected receive the same doses of the disinfectant agent.

The chemical indicator Chemdye® CD63-ST has been especially developed to satisfy this need. Calibrated to undergo a change in colour only when exposed to Quaternary Ammonium disinfectant salts as active principle, it enables to check the efficacy of the disinfection process in a fast and accurate manner.

Smart Disinfection Certification System (DCS)

The CD63-ST labels for use with Quaternary Ammonium salts disinfectants have been designed as part of a brand new Certification Disinfection System. Thanks to its exclusive design, the DCS (Disinfection Certification System), enables the systemization and recording of the disinfection process by using the traceability of the CD63-ST label.

Through its DCS App, the DCS uses a criterion based on artificial intelligence (IA) to guide the disinfection system that includes both good practices suggestions and standardised disinfections protocols and makes it possible to interpret the result of the exposure to the disinfectant agent through direct reading with a Smartphone. For further information, please visit www.terragene.com/dcs-mobile-app/.

Instructions for use

1.Place the Chemdye® CD63-ST indicator on the surface where the disinfection level is to be checked. Use as many indicators as surfaces need to be verified, according to the DCS protocol available in the DCS app. NOTE: Recommended use: 4 Chemdye® CD63-ST chemical indicators per m2. The indicators should be placed not higher than 1.5 m above ground level.

2.Run a normal disinfection cycle. IMPORTANT: the label was design for to be used only with Quaternary Ammonium (QUAT). Its exposure to other substances may deteriorate it or cause it to change to final colours not contemplated for its use.

3.Once the process is completed, wait at least 15 minutes and compare the final colour of each Chemdye® CD63-ST chemical indicator against the reference strips placed on and under the reactive ink. The final colour depends on the concentration of Quaternary Ammonium salts to which the reactive ink was exposed.

For higher concentrations the label shows a greenish-blue colour. If the colour of the reactive label is equal or darker and more bluish than the reference, the disinfection process has been successful. The graph and table attached allow the rapid recording and analysis of the results obtained. IMPORTANT: the label must be analyzed after the first 15 minutes and before 3 hours after exposure to the disinfecting agent.

4.To analyse the App DCS app, make sure to air dry the remaining moisture or drops that could have been deposited on the indicator before photo capturing it with your Smartphone. IMPORTANT: the records of the exposed Chemdye® CD63-ST should be protected against humidity.

Precautions

Use only with disinfectants based on Quaternary Ammonium salt. The use of disinfectants whose formula contain any other component will produce wrong results.

Do not reuse the chemical indicators.

Do not expose to products containing other chemical agents (e.g.2-phenylphenol, ethanol, etc.). The exposure to products other than QUAT may cause colour to change to deep blue and /or the shedding of the reactive, altering it.

Product storage and expiration date

Store the Chemdye® CD63-ST in the bag in a dry place, away from light, at a temperature between 10 ºC and 30 ºC, at a relative humidity between 30 % and 80 %.

Do not wet.

Do not store near disinfectant/sterilizing agents.

If stored as recommended, indicators expire 5 years from the date of manufacture. Do not use the Chemdye® CD63-ST chemical indicator after its expiration date. If the indicators are not used over a long time, the indicator should be removed from the automatic labeler and placed back into the original bag.

Waste treatment

Discard the used chemical indicators in accordance with your country’s
sanitary regulations.