Indicator systems for determination of sterilization
US6528277B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 27, 2000 |
| Grant date | Mar 4, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 27, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S435/81
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
This invention relates to a container and method for detecting a specific environmental parameter or combination of parameters, or for determining the effectiveness of a sterilization procedure. The invention relates to test indicators containing controlled volumes of compressed, gas-permeable materials, and modified caps comprising one or more apertures, sterilant permeable inserts, protruding members, or a combination thereof, and to methods for using test indicators for determining the efficacy of different types of sterilization processes. If proper sterilization conditions are not met, the interactive enzyme system remains active, and a color product forms upon the addition of the remaining components of the enzyme system. If the proper sterilization conditions are met, the sterilant destroys the interactive enzymes and no color product is formed. Inactivation of the enzyme system parallels the inactivation of bacterial spores subjected to the sterilization process. Results are available in from a few seconds to a few hours. The test indicator can also be placed into a container with material such that the design simulates an environmental parameter test of the sterilization p…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.