BS EN ISO 15882:2008

Foreword
Introduction
1 Scope
2 Terms and definitions
3 General considerations
4 Classes of chemical indicator
   4.1 General
   4.2 Class 1: Process indicators
   4.3 Class 2: Indicators for use in specific tests
   4.4 Class 3: Single variable indicators
   4.5 Class 4: Multi-variable indicators
   4.6 Class 5: Integrating indicators
   4.7 Class 6: Emulating indicators
5 Selection of chemical indicators
6 Use of chemical indicators
   6.1 Class 1 process indicators
   6.2 Class 2 indicators
   6.3 Class 3, 4, 5 and 6 indicators
   6.4 Indicators for use with process challenge devices
7 Interpretation of results from chemical indicators
   7.1 General
   7.2 Chemical indicator responses
   7.3 Chemical indicators showing "fail" response
8 Chemical indicators in sterility assurance procedures
   8.1 General
   8.2 Record keeping
9 Personnel training
10 Storage and handling
11 Labelling
   11.1 General
   11.2 Indicator marking
   11.3 Process marking
   11.4 Package marking
Annex A (informative) - Background on the Bowie and Dick test
Annex B (informative) - Explanation of the terms "parameter"
        and "variable"
Annex C (informative) - Rationale for the requirements for
        integrating indicators and the link to requirements
        for biological indicators (BIs) specified in the
        ISO 11138 series and microbial inactivation (derived
        from ISO 11140-1)
Annex D (informative) - Specifications for porosity
Annex E (informative) - Figure showing relationship of indicator
        Components
Bibliography

Describes guidance for the selection, use and interpretation of results of chemical indicators used in process definition, validation and routine monitoring and overall control of sterilization processes.

1.1 This International Standard provides guidance for the selection, use and interpretation of results of chemical indicators used in process definition, validation and routine monitoring and overall control of sterilization processes. This International Standard applies to indicators that show exposure to sterilization processes by means of physical and/or chemical change of substances, and which are used to monitor one or more of the variables required of a sterilization process. These chemical indicators are not dependent for their action on the presence or absence of a living organism.

1.2 This International Standard does not consider indicators for use in those processes that rely on physical removal of microorganisms, e.g. filtration.

1.3 This International Standard is not intended to apply to indicators for use in combination processes, for example, washer disinfectors or CIP (cleaning in place) and SIP (sterilization in place).