One of the unusual things about many types of chemicals in a variety of industries is the possible side-effects and risks that are associated with their use. Formaldehyde is a good example of one such chemical.
Most people associate formaldehyde, which an organic compound that occurs naturally, with the embalming process. However, it is also used for a wide number of industrial applications, in the making of explosives and plastics as well as in the manufacturing of different textiles.
In the medical field, formaldehyde is used as a disinfectant and a biocide. It is ideal for this application as it will kill fungi and fungi spores as well as bacteria. This makes it a good choice as a solution in hemodialysis applications to clean out systems and lines.
The Concern
The obvious concern with using a toxic material such as formaldehyde in medical applications is the risk of residue from the solution remaining in the equipment. To eliminate this concern, specific formaldehyde testing strips have been developed that provide a simple, practical and effective way to provide a semi-quantitative result.
In protocols developed by the Association for Advancement of Medical Instrumentation, levels of formaldehyde that are safe for patient use of equipment are below 3ppm. This test can be completed by a test strip, which is easy to use and low-cost for the facility.
* Top options in formaldehyde testing strips will:
* Have clear, precise color changes that are easy to read
* Provide accurate instructions for use of the formaldehyde testing strip
* Clearly, indicate expiration dates
* State any limitations for use
* Provide results in minutes
In addition, when comparing options for the formaldehyde test strips, be sure to consider the reputation of the manufacturer. Choose a company offering full customer support as well as a top reputation in providing quality testing products for test strips you can rely on.
