Autoclave tape
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Autoclave tape is an adhesive tape used in autoclaving to indicate whether the correct temperature has been reached for the elimination of all living organisms (typically 121 degrees Celsius).[1]
Small strips of the tape are applied to the items before they are placed into the autoclave. The tape is similar to masking tape but slightly more adhesive, to allow it to adhere under the hot, moist conditions of the autoclave. The tape typically has diagonal markings containing an ink which changes colour (usually beige to black) upon heating. One such ink contains 30.1% lead thiosulfate, 0.6% magnesium carbonate, 20.1% neocryl B8141, 30.1% ethanol, 22.7% ethyl acetate and 49% ink solids.[2]
Footnotes and references
- ↑ This temperature will usually need to be maintained for 15 minutes.
- ↑ US patent 4898762, "Easy tear sterilization indicator tape", published 1990-02-06, issued 1988-08-26