Procedure for the Cryoguard Activation Tool with any Cryoguard™ Thermal Exposure Indicator without Using a Freezer Cane

1. Freeze the indicator for the appropriate length of time based on which indicator is being used. See Package Insert or Table 1 at the bottom of this page to determine the length of time needed to freeze the indicator and in what kind of media prior to activation.

2. After the necessary freezing time has passed, remove the indicator from the freezing media using a pair of tweezers with the activation tool in hand, ready for use. The tool should be held so that the base is in the palm of the hand with the thumb holding it in place and fingers resting on the lever as shown below without an indicator already inserted into the tool.

3. Affix the indicator using tweezers in the tool between the two plates. Both plates of the activation tool have depressions for the pin for versatile activation of the indicator.

4. Adjust the indicator so that the pin is directly in the depression of the plate. The indicator can be positioned, as these images demonstrate, in either direction in the tool.

5. Wait for the indicator to slightly thaw if needed (thawing time varies for the different types of indicators) for easier, less damaging activation. See Package Insert or Table 1 at the bottom of this page to determine the length of time needed, if any, to thaw the indicator before activation.

6. Apply gentle, steady pressure to the lever of the activation tool using the fingers until the pin is completely pushed into the indicator housing and is flush with the bottom of the indicator. Below is an image that demonstrates what an activated indicator looks like in the activation tool. The images show how the plates become flush with the indicator housing when the lever is completely pressed. The lever moves the inner plate toward the outer plate so that there is only enough space for the indicator, and there are no gaps between the indicator and plates.

*Note: Applying high pressure quickly will result in damages to the pin and/or indicator causing it to be unusable 

7. Immediately refreeze the indicator for an appropriate amount of time based on which indicator is being used. See Package Insert or Table 1 at the bottom of this page to determine the length of time needed to freeze the indicator after activation.

8. After refreezing, the indicator is ready for use. Place the indicator in the environment of intended use.

**Be sure to handle indicators with insulated gloves when frozen in order to prevent premature color change. Safety glasses should also be used at all times.

 Table 1: Freezing and Thawing Times Pre- and Post- Indicator Activation