Patent · US Expired

Unitary biological indicator for gaseous sterilants and process

US5750184A · kind A · utility

40Cited by
34References
14Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateDec 19, 1995
Grant dateMay 12, 1998
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 19, 2015

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S435/81
  • WIPO fieldBiotechnology
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

A biological indicator is formed from two members (or a sheet with one portion folded onto another portion) which are sealed together and form a pathway having three sections. One section opens to the exterior and is preferably configured as a tortuous path. A middle pathway portion downstream of the tortuous path houses a frangible ampule. The frangible ampule contains growth medium for microorganisms. An interior pathway portion (most downstream from the exterior) houses a carrier inoculated with spores of a microorganism. The biological indicator preferably is prepared by a process in which a thermoplastic sheet has the pathway formed by thermoforming and the sealing is by heat sealing.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.