Medical & Security Labels
Medical Sterilization Labels – Withstand EtO, Gamma & Autoclave
Chemical indicator labels that change color after exposure to sterilization conditions. Provides immediate visual confirmation that a package has been processed by steam autoclave (121°C/134°C), ethylene oxide (EtO), or vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP). Ideal for CSSD, operating rooms, and dental clinics.
Specifications
- Material
- Medical-grade PET / synthetic facestock
- Adhesive
- Medical-grade acrylic
- Sterilization compatibility
- Steam autoclave (121°C/134°C), EtO, VHP
- Label size
- Custom die-cut from 10mm x 10mm to 150mm x 100mm
Chemical indicator labels that change color after exposure to sterilization conditions. Provides immediate visual confirmation that a package has been processed by steam autoclave (121°C/134°C), ethylene oxide (EtO), or vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP). Ideal for CSSD, operating rooms, and dental clinics.
Specifications
Items | Details |
|---|---|
Type | Chemical indicator (Type 1 – process indicator) |
Sterilization compatibility | Steam autoclave (121°C/134°C), EtO, VHP |
Color change | Yellow → Black (steam) / Pink → Yellow (EtO) / Custom |
Initial color | Yellow, pink, blue, or custom |
Final color | Black, brown, or custom |
Material | Medical-grade paper / synthetic facestock |
Adhesive | Medical-grade acrylic |
Label size | Custom die-cut from 10mm x 10mm to 50mm x 50mm |
Core diameter | 1 inch (25.4mm) or 3 inch |
Shelf life | 2 years (store below 30°C, away from sunlight) |
Print compatibility | Thermal transfer (resin ribbon) or pre-printed |
Custom color combinations, sizes, and pre-printed text available upon request.
Key Features
- ✅ Instant visual verification – Clear color change from initial to final state confirms that the package has been exposed to sterilization conditions.
- ✅ Multi-method compatibility – Available for steam autoclave (121°C/134°C), ethylene oxide (EtO), and vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP).
- ✅ Irreversible color change – Once activated, the color remains changed – no risk of false positives.
- ✅ High-contrast result – Distinct before/after colors make it easy to identify processed vs. unprocessed packages at a glance.
- ✅ Medical-grade adhesive – Bonds securely to Tyvek, medical paper, polypropylene, and stainless steel. No edge lifting after sterilization.
- ✅ Solvent and chemical resistant – Withstands IPA, alcohol, and hospital disinfectants without smearing or fading.
- ✅ Customizable – Available in custom color combinations, sizes, and with pre-printed text or logos.
- ✅ Batch traceable – Every roll logged with production batch and QC results.
How Sterilization Indicator Labels Work
Each label contains a chemical indicator coating that reacts to specific sterilization conditions:
Sterilization Method | Initial Color | Final Color | What It Confirms |
|---|---|---|---|
Steam Autoclave (121°C) | Yellow | Black | Exposure to steam, temperature, and time |
Steam Autoclave (134°C) | Yellow | Black | Exposure to steam, temperature, and time |
EtO (Ethylene Oxide) | Pink | Yellow | Exposure to EtO gas concentration, temperature, and time |
VHP (Vaporized H₂O₂) | Blue | Yellow | Exposure to VHP concentration and time |
💡 Note: Indicator labels confirm that the package has been exposed to sterilization conditions. They do not replace biological indicators for sterility assurance. Always follow your facility's sterilization validation protocol.
Applications
Use Sterilization Indicator Labels for:
- CSSD (Central Sterile Services Department) – Affix to instrument packs, trays, and pouches before sterilization. Visual check after sterilization confirms processing.
- Operating rooms – Verify that surgical instrument packages have been sterilized before opening.
- Dental clinics – Indicator labels on dental instrument pouches and cassettes.
- Laboratories – Confirm sterilization of glassware, media, and waste before disposal.
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing – Process indicators on equipment and components.
- Veterinary clinics – Sterilization verification for surgical instruments.
Printer & Ribbon Compatibility
Printing options:
- Pre-printed – Indicator color and text pre-printed by us (recommended for high-volume users).
- Thermal transfer – Print variable data (dates, batch numbers) using resin ribbon.
Recommended ribbons:
- Resin ribbon – Required for printing on indicator labels. Wax/resin ribbons may not adhere to the indicator coating.
Compatible printers:
Most industrial thermal transfer printers from Zebra, Honeywell, Sato, TSC, Citizen.
Printer settings suggestion:
- Darkness: 25–30%
- Speed: 2–4 inches per second (ips)
⚠️ Note: Always test a small batch with your specific sterilization method and printer settings before full production. Printing directly on the indicator area is not recommended – print on the white area only.
How to Choose the Right Sterilization Indicator Label
Step 1: Identify Your Sterilization Method
Method | Recommended Indicator | Color Change |
|---|---|---|
Steam autoclave (121°C/134°C) | Steam indicator label | Yellow → Black |
EtO | EtO indicator label | Pink → Yellow |
VHP | VHP indicator label | Blue → Yellow |
Dry heat | High-temp indicator label | Custom |
Step 2: Choose the Label Size
Application | Typical Size |
|---|---|
Small pouches | 10mm x 10mm to 20mm x 20mm |
Instrument trays | 25mm x 25mm to 50mm x 50mm |
Large wraps | 50mm x 50mm or custom |
Step 3: Choose Pre-Printed or Printable
Option | Best For |
|---|---|
Pre-printed | High-volume users – no printer needed |
Printable | Users who need variable data (dates, batch numbers) |
Step 4: Verify Storage Conditions
- Store below 30°C
- Keep away from direct sunlight
- Do not expose to sterilization conditions before use
- Use within 2 years of production date
Ordering & Sample Information
- MOQ: 50 roll for standard sizes; custom die-cut – MOQ 100 rolls.
- Free sample: 100 pieces available for testing. Test with your actual sterilization method.
- Custom printing: Logo, text, or variable data – MOQ 1,00 rolls.
- Custom colors: Available upon request – MOQ 5,00 rolls.
- Lead time:
- Stock sizes: 3–5 business days
- Custom die-cut or printed: 10–15 business days
- Large volume (>1000 rolls): 20–25 days
⚠️ Important: Indicator labels must be stored in their original packaging and protected from heat, moisture, and chemical vapors before use.
