Small Indicators
A Safer World
Steam Indicator Tape
Reliable Indication. Confident Sterilization.
Type 1 process indicator tape for steam sterilization. Adheres firmly to paper, non-woven, SMS and pouches; the yellow diagonal indicator lines turn dark brown/black after exposure to saturated steam.
- In Stock
- Global Supply
- Trusted Quality
- OEM/ODM
- Indicator Type
- ISO 11140-1 Type 1 process indicator
- Width Options
- 12 mm, 19 mm, 25 mm (custom widths available)
- Length Options
- 50 m standard (55 m / 100 m on request)
- Base Material
- High-strength medical-grade crepe paper
Product Overview
Kangde Med Steam Indicator Tape is a Type 1 process indicator used to close packs and to show at a glance that a pack has been through a steam sterilization cycle. The heat-sensitive ink changes from light yellow to dark brown/black after exposure to saturated steam, giving a clear and permanent visual record that distinguishes processed items from unprocessed ones.
The crepe-paper backing stretches slightly to conform to wrapped trays and pouches, holds firmly through pre-vacuum and gravity cycles, and peels away cleanly afterwards without leaving sticky residue on the wrap. It can be torn by hand and written on with a marker for load identification.
Key Specifications
| Product Name | Steam Indicator Tape |
|---|---|
| Indicator Type | ISO 11140-1 Type 1 process indicator |
| Width Options | 12 mm, 19 mm, 25 mm (custom widths available) |
| Length Options | 50 m standard (55 m / 100 m on request) |
| Base Material | High-strength medical-grade crepe paper |
| Sterilization Method | Steam (moist heat): 121 °C / 20 min or 132–134 °C / 4–6 min |
| Indicator Ink | Lead-free chemical indicator, non-toxic; changes from light yellow to dark brown/black |
| Adhesion | Strong initial tack, secure during the cycle, clean removal without residue |
| Compliance | ISO 11140-1 Type 1, manufactured under ISO 13485; CE |
| Shelf Life | 3 years from date of manufacture (unopened) |
| Storage Conditions | Cool, dry place away from direct sunlight (5–30 °C, < 70 % RH) |
| Carton Packing | 12 mm: 480 rolls/ctn · 19 mm: 360 rolls/ctn · 25 mm: 240 rolls/ctn |
Clear Change
Easy to Use
Trusted by Professionals
Features & Benefits
- Clear colour change
- Strong adhesion
- Easy tear by hand
- Clean removal
- Hospitals & labs
How to use
- Cut the required length and apply across the closure of the wrapped pack or pouch.
- Process in a steam autoclave at 121 °C for 20 minutes, or in a pre-vacuum sterilizer at 132–134 °C for 4–6 minutes.
- After the cycle, confirm that the indicator lines have changed from yellow to dark brown/black. If the change is incomplete, treat the pack as unprocessed.
Applications
Central sterile supply departments, operating theatres, dental and veterinary clinics, microbiology and research laboratories, pharmaceutical and cosmetics manufacturers — anywhere steam sterilization is performed.
Packaging & Shipping
| Width | Length | Rolls / carton | Carton size (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 mm | 50 m | 480 | 420 × 320 × 260 |
| 19 mm | 50 m | 360 | 420 × 320 × 260 |
| 25 mm | 50 m | 240 | 420 × 320 × 260 |
- Export cartons with lot number and expiry date printed; palletised on request.
- Sea, air or express — EXW, FOB, CIF or DDP terms. Standard products ship in 7–15 working days.
- Custom sizes, printing and private-label packaging available for OEM/ODM orders.
Quality Assurance
- ISO 13485Quality Management System for Medical Devices
- ISO 11140Chemical Indicators for Sterilization Processes
- CECompliant with EU Requirements
- Batch traceabilityEvery carton carries a lot number linked to raw-material and inspection records
- Incoming & final inspectionMaterials and finished goods tested before release
Learn more about our quality system · Certificates and test reports are available on request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does steam indicator tape confirm that a pack is sterile?
No. Indicator tape is a Type 1 process indicator: it shows the pack has been exposed to the sterilization process, so that processed and unprocessed items are not mixed up. Sterility assurance comes from validated cycles, internal indicators (Type 4/5/6) and biological indicators.
What colour change should I expect?
The diagonal indicator lines change from light yellow to a uniform dark brown/black. A partial or streaky change indicates inadequate steam exposure and the pack should be reprocessed.
Can the tape be used in gravity and pre-vacuum cycles?
Yes. The tape responds in gravity-displacement cycles (121 °C / 20 min) and in pre-vacuum cycles (132–134 °C / 4–6 min).
How long can the tape be stored?
Unopened rolls have a 3-year shelf life when stored between 5 °C and 30 °C, below 70 % relative humidity and away from direct sunlight.
Do you provide custom widths or private labelling?
Yes. Custom widths, lengths, core sizes and printed brand labels are available for OEM/ODM customers.
