Water-based chemical indicator inks for ethylene oxide sterilization
processes and methods for its use. The chemical indicator ink contains at
least one pH indicator dye selected from the group consisting of
Bromocresol green, Bromophenol blue, Methyl red, Ethyl orange, and
combinations thereof. The pH indicator dye undergoes an irreversible color
change when exposed to ethylene oxide vapor in the presence of
low-temperature steam, but when exposed to other sterilization processes
either does not undergo a color change or undergoes a color change that is
different than is obtained when exposed to ethylene oxide.
