Printer Srl Company (Printex), established on 3rd October 1999, specializez in the production of labellers and labels for many industries and retail stores.
For the past several years, Printex have also specialized in the medical sector. Printex have been in business for over 20 years, and the company has become one of the world’s leaders in the production of labellers and labels.
During these last years, the great success Printex obtained has led our managers to extend their know-how to the medical sector
Now, the Printex labellers are considered an excellent tool useful in the medical field. Printer labellers and labels can be considered almost exclusive in the world because we are the only one in Italy to produce such labels and labellers with any certification suitable for the European Market and the rest of the world.
All Printex products are exclusively made in Italy with their patent brand Printex.
Traceability of the sterilization process involves documenting in a patient’s clinical history all relevant information regarding the instruments used during their operation. This ensures and certifies that the entire sterilization process was performed correctly. It is a crucial component of sterilization cycle procedures, guaranteeing maximum patient safety and providing legal protection for every healthcare manager.
A robust tracking system enables verification of the information that certifies the sterility of an instrument prior to its use, by indicating the relevant data associated with the load.
Printex labels are made with double adhesive support and with Type 1process indicators according to EN ISO 11140-1. The chemical indicators on the labels are:
- STEAM
- Ethylene Oxide (E) (O)
- VH2O z (PLASMA)
Sterilization labels with chemical indicators are used to indicate if the sterilization process of the instruments has been carried out correctly. The label needs to be affixed to the pouch, which will be placed in the autoclave for sterilization.
In order to have complete traceability of the sterilization cycle, we recommend affixing at least two labels with the same content to the pouches.
After opening the sterilized package in the operating room, a label should be removed and stuck on the patient’s record sheet.
HOW TO USE:
1. Before each cycle, fill the cycle form sheet. Then insert the roll into the labeller and set the labeller by entering the batch number, packing expiry date, operator, autoclave code, etc. After printing the labels, the first label must be put on the cycle form sheet.
2. You must print the same number of labels as bags to put into the autoclave. Stick the labels directly onto the paper side of the bag.
3. Then put the bags into the autoclave and start the sterilization cycle. When the cycle has finished, remove the bags and place them in the appropriate compartments.
4. Remove the previously placed label and stick it onto the patient’s form.
5. At this stage, the traceability system has completed. This simple procedure assures us of the traceability of the instruments at any time. If necessary, we can identify when the specific instrument was sterilised and on which patient it was used. Additionally, we have control over the sterilised instrument’s expiry date.
Sterilization Indicators
This illustrates the color changes of chemical indicators used to monitor the effectiveness of different sterilization methods:
| Label type: | Indicator Color (Before ——> After Sterilization) |
Steam Sterilization Process: Destroys all microorganisms and their pathogenic products using pressurized wet steam at 120°C for at least 45 minutes, or dry heat at 160-180°C for 3 hours. |  |
Ethylene Oxide (EO) Sterilization Process: Utilizes ethylene oxide gas, which is also used as a fumigant, fungicide, and sterilizing agent. It is highly irritating to the eyes and mucous membranes. |  |
Hydrogen Peroxide (VH2O2) Plasma Sterilization Process: Employs hydrogen peroxide as a disinfectant and sterilizing agent without antiseptic properties because it is rapidly inactivated by enzymes in the skin. 1 The frothing it produces is beneficial as it loosens debris in wounds. |  |