20 is formed so that any coloring in the indicator layer 20 is not washed from the indicator layer 20 during use while the indicator layer 20 may be part number 9542 available from merck dormstadt germany other suitable materials may be used to attach the diagnostic strip 18 to the protective clothing article 10 the diagnostic strip 18 includes a two sided adhesive strip 22 the adhesive strip 22 includes a handle or grip section 24 which does not have adhesive disposed thereon and therefore may be used to manipulate the adhesive strip 22 prior to being applied to the protective clothing article 10 by using the grip section 24 the diagnostic strip 18 connected on one side 26 of the adhesive strip 22 can be easily affixed to the protective clothing article 10 without touching the indicator layer 20 by avoiding direct contact with the indicator layer 20 during manipulation of the diagnostic strip 18 the possibility of contamination of the indicator layer 20 is reduced which might otherwise make another examination necessary in addition the use of a two sided adhesive strip 22 also has the advantage that on the one hand the application of an adhesive to the protective clothing article 10 is avoided and on the other hand.