Given a passage and a query based on the passage, generate an unambiguous, concise and simple answer to the query from information in the passage. Note that the answer may not be present in exact form.
Q: Using this tape is one among many steps which are designed to ensure safety when it comes to handling sterile materials. If a package of materials does not have autoclave tape, it is assumed to be non-sterile, which means that it needs to be processed in the autoclave before it can be used. When materials are packaged for the autoclave, the tape is added last, and most people include a notation of the date on the tape. The tape is designed to adhere in spite of the high heat and steam in the autoclave. With the use of autoclave tape, people can determine whether or not packages of material have passed through the autoclave, and they can also see how recently supplies were sterilized, by referring to the date noted on the tape. Autoclave tape is a specialized tape product which is used on packages of materials placed in an autoclave. The tape has chemical strips sensitive to high heat and pressure which change color when they are exposed to sufficiently high heat and pressure, indicating that a package of materials has been in an autoclave. The following are basic instructions for autoclave use but do not replace the manufacturer's operating instructions and hands-on training. Before using any autoclave for the first time, read and thoroughly understand the owner's manual because many makes and models have unique characteristics. Place the items to be autoclaved in the chamber. Check the drain screen to make sure that it is not plugged or obstructed. For bench top units that do not have inline steam, check and fill the reservoir with deionized water to the fill line (see manufacturer's instructions). Close and seal the autoclave door. On the autoclave keypad, or dials, select: The following are basic instructions for autoclave use but do not replace the manufacturer's operating instructions and hands-on training. Before using any autoclave for the first time, read and thoroughly understand the owner's manual because many makes and models have unique characteristics. 1  Place the items to be autoclaved in the chamber. 2  Check the drain screen to make sure that it is not plugged or obstructed. Steam/Autoclave. Steam sterilization is the oldest and most common process used in medical and related applications. Its proven effectiveness is further enhanced by being both reliable and economical. In this process, the item to be sterilized is placed in a chamber, e.g. an Autoclave. The item is exposed to a combination of heat and saturated steam (water vapor) for an established period of time. This process kills the micro-organisms present, sterilizing the item. Generating Steam and Steam Quality. Steam is the autoclave’s sterilization agent. In our Sterilization Methods series, we explained the physics of steam and why it’s ideal for destroying microorganisms such as bacteria and spores. Part 1 of this post will explain how steam is generated for autoclaving purposes. Autoclave tape. Autoclave tape is an adhesive tape used in autoclaving (heating under high pressure with steam to sterilise) to indicate whether a specific temperature has been reached. Autoclave tape works by changing color after exposure to temperatures commonly used in sterilization processes, typically 121°C in a steam autoclave. Small strips of the tape are applied to the items before they are placed into the autoclave. The tape is similar to masking tape but slightly more adhesive, to allow it to adhere under the hot, moist conditions of the autoclave. One such tape has diagonal markings containing an ink which changes colour (usually beige to black) upon heating. It is important to note that the presence of autoclave tape that has changed color on an item does not ensure that the product is sterile, as the tape ... SEE the new blog series about Autoclave Sterilization Basics which discusses topics about autoclave sterilizers and sterilization. 1  Steam generators and steam supply. 2  The pre and post vacuum phase of the sterilization cycle. 3  The autoclave jacket. 4  The cooling process. 5  The autoclave control systems. Allow items to cool in the autoclave for at least 10 minutes before fully opening the door. Check the autoclave tape for a color change, and the print-out from the recorder to see if the time and temperature were attained. If not, the load should be re-autoclaved in another autoclave. Any bag displaying the biohazard symbol must be over bagged with an opaque trash bag and sealed prior to disposal in the regular waste stream. Steam/Autoclave Steam sterilization is the oldest and most common process used in medical and related applications. Its proven effectiveness is further enhanced by being both reliable and economical. Query: how does autoclave tape work
A: 
Autoclave tape has chemical strips sensitive to high heat and pressure which change color when they are exposed to sufficiently high heat and pressure, indicating that a package of materials has been in an autoclave.