self-contained steam sterilization
AX224 is a self-contained, rapid-read biological indicator (Type 1 BI) for steam sterilization, manufactured by Axis/Kordon. It contains Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores in a sealed tube with a built-in ampoule of culture medium. It delivers results in approximately 20 minutes after incubation, combining fast confirmation with a chemical exposure indicator for immediate feedback
Description
INDICATIONS:
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Used for monitoring steam sterilization cycles—both gravity and pre-vacuum—at 121°C–135°C.
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Ideal for time-critical environments such as surgical centers and hospital CSSDs needing rapid verification.
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Ensures both chemical exposure and biological kill, confirming sterility before item use or release
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INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE.
- Label the AX224 vial with sterilizer ID, date, and load number.
- Place the indicator in the most challenging location inside the sterilization load (e.g., center of a tray or pouch).
- Run the standard steam cycle (121–135°C) in accordance with equipment validation.
- Immediate Check: Confirm the built-in chemical indicator has changed, indicating exposure to steam.
- Incubate: Activate the ampoule by crushing it and incubate at 60°C using a rapid-incubator like AXRD-100.
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Read Results (~20 min):
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No color change in the medium = Pass (successful sterilization).
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Yellow color change = Fail (spore survival; sterilization failure)
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Actions:
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Pass: Document and release the load.
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Fail: Investigate the cycle, equipment, or load configuration and reprocess.
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Recordkeeping: Retain vials and document results (date, incubator, load ID, result) per regulatory and QA requirements.
