Sterilizer testing systems
US6323032A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 17, 1998 |
| Grant date | Nov 27, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 17, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61L2/28
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A sterilant challenge device, for use in testing the efficiency of the removal stage of a sterilization cycle in a sterilizer. In a preferred embodiment, the device includes a tube that is closed at one end and open at the other for the entry of sterilant, a plurality of thermally-conductive masses the tube, and at least one temperature sensor. When the challenge device is located in a sterilizer, the penetration of sterilant along the bore of the tube during a sterilization cycle, is inhibited by the accumulation of air and/or non-condensable gas within the bore resulting from the condensation of moisture on the walls of the bore. By measuring the temperature inside the device adjacent the closed end of the tube, the efficiency of the sterilization cycle can be determined.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.