What is the purpose of placing a chemical indicator inside each package of instruments?

Placing a chemical indicator inside each package of instruments serves the primary purpose of assessing the physical conditions required for sterilization. Chemical indicators are designed to change color or exhibit a specific reaction when exposed to certain standards of sterilization conditions, such as time, temperature, and pressure, during the sterilization process. This visual change confirms whether the package has undergone the necessary conditions for effective sterilization, providing a reliable method to ensure that the sterilization process has taken place properly.

While weight assessment, package integrity, and biological indicators have their own roles in the sterilization process, the chemical indicator specifically verifies that the instruments have been subjected to the correct sterilization environment. This makes it an essential tool for infection control in a clinical setting, aiding in ensuring that all sterilized instruments are safe for use.