Brian Kirk, PhD, MSc, BSc, MRPharmS, FIHEEM

Articles by Brian Kirk, PhD, MSc, BSc, MRPharmS, FIHEEM

A complete set of stainless-steel surgical instruments placed on a sterile blue drape, ready for medical use.  (Adobe Stock 1557031822 by Rahmat Hidayat)

Ensuring the sterility of medical devices is a cornerstone of patient safety. This whitepaper examines steam sterilization—the predominant method in healthcare—and the critical role of chemical indicators (CIs) in monitoring process efficacy. With a focus on ISO 11140-1 standards, it compares Type 4 and Type 5 indicators, outlining their strengths, limitations, and implications for reliable sterilization practices.