title: Development of an 82.2 degrees C (180 degrees F) temperature indicatior system for monitoring equipment washing and sanitizing programs.
abstract: A survey performed at 12 institutions showed that while the temperatures in the water tanks of mechanical cage washers were monitored, these temperatures deviated from the temperatures obtained on the items actually being washed. Most surveyed facilities were not meeting the 82.2 degrees C (180 degrees F) standard in the washing chamber. A temperature indicator was developed which revealed whether 82.2 degrees C had been reached at the surface of the items being sanitized. The indicator was a sealed glass ampule which produced a visible color change when exposed to temperatures of 82.2 degress C or higher. The indicator was located on the items being washed. Due to the variability of water heating in washing machines, it was recommended that one indicator be used in each load of equipment being sanitized.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006799:Housing, Animal; D012499:Sanitation / Q000592:standards*; D013696:Temperature; D013821:Thermometers