Why should we test the level of chlorine in our bleach?
The amount of available chlorine in bleach decreases with factors such as age and exposure to heat, sunlight, and contaminants. If your bleach solution is being used for disinfection purposes, it is important to be able to check its chlorine level for adequacy.

How often should we test our bleach?
This depends on the critical nature of its use. Many facilities using the Activate™ Bleach Dilution System have set a weekly chlorine test policy. However, if your bleach is being manually diluted with water and contained in a spray bottle or squeeze bottle, it should either be made fresh daily or tested daily.

What if the color on the strip pad doesn’t match any of the color patches on the label chart exactly?
The colors don’t have to match exactly; however, to determine an accurate match, evaluate the degree of yellow pigment on the strip pad compared to the color patches on the label chart. It can be helpful to obtain a consensus among 2 or 3 people if matching is difficult. Just remember to make the evaluation within 10 seconds after the initial 30-second color-development interval.

Are the test results accurate if the strip pad is blotchy?
Yes, the color on the strip pad may not be uniform; this is normal.

Is it ok to touch the strip pad?
No, do not touch the strip pad. Hold the test strip by the opposite end of the strip until the evaluation is complete.

Can we spray the bleach on the strip instead of dipping the strip into the bleach?
Safety and accuracy are best achieved by dipping the strip into the bleach solution.

Can we test low-level bleach solutions such as 200 ppm with these strips?
For the best results, only test 1,000 to 10,000 ppm solutions with these strips. Use a low-level test strip to test lower strength solutions.

Why do we have to keep the vial lid closed?
Prolonged exposure to moisture can affect the accuracy of the test pad. Although the inside of the vial is lined with a desiccant coating, it is important to keep the lid tightly snapped shut to keep the strips clean and dry.

Do the strips have a shelf life?
It is best to use the strips within 2 years of your initial opening of the vial. Record the opening date on the lower right side of the vial label.