Type 1: Process Indicators

• Purpose: To indicate that a sterilization process has been applied. 
• Products of Type 1 include indicator tapes, labels, or tags

Type 2: Specific-Use Indicators

• Purpose: To assess the performance of the sterilizer’s vacuum and steam penetration. 
• Products of Type 2 include Bowie-Dick Test Packs

Type 3: Single-Variable Indicators

• Purpose: To verify a single parameter of the sterilization process, such as temperature or time.

Type 4: Multi-variable indicators

• Purpose: To confirm that multiple parameters of the sterilization process have been met. 
• Products of Type 4 include chemical indicators designed to meet the specifications of Type 4.

Type 5: Integrating Indicators (Integrators)

• Purpose: To integrate and monitor all critical parameters of the sterilization cycle. 
• Products of Type 5 include chemical indicators designed to meet the specifications of Type 5.

Type 6: Emulating Indicators (Cycle Verification Indicators)

• Purpose: To simulate the most challenging conditions of the sterilization cycle. 
• Products of Type 6 include chemical indicators designed to meet the specifications of Type 6.

Each type of chemical indicator serves a specific purpose and is used at different stages of the sterilization process to ensure that all conditions required for effective sterilization have been met.