Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a method for monitoring a sterilization process. The method comprises: (A) exposing an article to be sterilized and a biological indicator to a sterilization medium during a sterilization process, the biological indicator comprising a cell with a plasma membrane in which the biological indicator is positioned on part or all of an electronically conductive material positioned on a substrate; and (B) measuring the membrane potential of the cell to detect the viability of the cell.

Abstract: A decontamination enclosure, comprised of a plurality of preformed panels joined together to form a structure defining a totally enclosed chamber. A door is formed in at least one of the panels, the door being movable between an opened position and a closed position to allow access to the chamber. A circulation system is attached to the structure for circulating vaporized hydrogen peroxide through the chamber. A controller is provided for controlling the amount of vaporized hydrogen peroxide introduced into the chamber.

Abstract: A system for microbially deactivating articles, such as medical, dental, veterinary and mortuary instruments and devices. The system includes vibration means for producing ultrasonic waves to facilitate drying after the completion of a liquid microbial deactivation process.

Abstract: A sacral support for a surgical table, comprising a plate having two spaced-apart openings formed therein. The openings are aligned along an axis of the plate and disposed adjacent one end of the plate. A pad is attached to the plate. The pad is dimensioned such that the openings in the plate are exposed. A positioning post is attachable to the plate. The post has a lower end dimensioned to be received in the openings in plate, wherein the post is mountable in the plate in one of two different positions.

Abstract: A femur support assembly attachable to a surgical table. The support assembly is comprised of a support plate, and an elongated rod reciprocally movable in a generally vertical direction relative to the support plate. An elongated support is mounted to the rod. The elongated support is rotatable about the rod and has a plurality of like apertures formed thereon. Each of the apertures defines a mounting position. A femur hook is provided having an end dimensioned to be received in one of the plurality of apertures.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus, comprising a patient support having one or more pads for supporting a patient's torso and hip in a generally horizontal orientation. At least one, elongated leg support extends from the patient support. The leg support is movable through a generally horizontal plane. A portion of the leg support is declinable and inclinable from the horizontal plane. A traction device is connected to the leg support. The traction device is attachable to a patient's leg and operable to exert a traction force on the patient's leg along an axis generally parallel to the leg support. The traction device is connected to the leg support by a slide assembly and the traction device can be secured stationary relative to the leg support or the traction device can slide relative to the leg support.

Abstract: A non-aerosol, foaming high alcohol content hand sanitizer is provided which has excellent antimicrobial activity and tolerance for organic load and excellent residual activity, as well as enhanced moisturization and skin-feel properties over currently marketed alcohol-based sanitizers. The inventive composition achieves an unexpectedly large amount of quality, stable foam even in the presence of significant quantities of skin conditioning agents through the use of novel silicone surfactants and achieves enhanced and prolonged antimicrobial efficacy through the combination of high alcohol content and activity enhancing components.

Abstract: A system for decontaminating an enclosure that defines a region. The system includes a decontamination unit for generating a vaporized sterilant. The decontamination unit includes a housing that defines a chamber therein. An inlet and an outlet of the housing fluidly communicate with the chamber. A bulkhead assembly connects the decontamination unit to the enclosure. The bulkhead assembly includes a barrier assembly for sealing an opening of the enclosure. The membrane traverses the opening of the enclosure. A first port and a second port allow the carrier gas to flow through the membrane. A frame assembly seals the barrier assembly into the opening of the enclosure. An outlet conduit defines a flow path for conveying the carrier gas from the decontamination unit to the region of the enclosure. A return conduit defines a flow path for conveying the carrier gas from the enclosure to the decontamination unit.