Abstract: This invention relates to a biological indicator, comprising: a carrier; and a spore deposit on the carrier, wherein at least about 95% of the area of the spore deposit comprises spores residing in a single spore layer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a biological indicator, comprising: a carrier; and a spore deposit on the carrier, wherein from about 70% to about 95% of the area of the spore deposit comprises spores residing in a single spore layer, and the remainder of the area of the spore deposit comprises spores residing in a stacked configuration.

Abstract: This invention relates to a biological indicator, comprising: a carrier inoculated with a test organism and an effective amount of a carbohydrate to reduce the resistance of the biological indicator to steam sterilization. The invention relates to a steam sterilization process using the biological indicator.

Abstract: This invention relates to a biological indicator, comprising: a carrier inoculated with a test organism and an effective amount of a carbohydrate to reduce the resistance of the biological indicator to steam sterilization. The invention relates to a steam sterilization process using the biological indicator.

Abstract: A biological indicator for monitoring the effectiveness of a sterilizing, disinfecting, etc., compound or condition is disclosed which comprises a substrate having a surface layer containing functional groups thereon desirably free of silicone linking groups. The functional groups are desirably in the form of a monolayer of a uniformed distribution and of a selected quantity. Various types of microorganisms such as spores and/or etiological agents are covalently bonded to the surface layer functional groups through a crosslinking reagent and thus form a uniform number and distribution of the microorganisms and/or etiological agents. After being subjected to sterilization or other similar treatment, etc., along with various articles such as instruments, the indicator can be cultivated to determine the effectiveness of the sterilization, disinfection, etc. process.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfluidic systems comprising microfluidic chambers and mixers, and methods of use. The microfluidic chambers of the present invention comprise a flexible membrane which provides efficient mixing of the solution therein. The present invention also provides a microfluidic chamber in fluidic communication with a micro-disk and a microfluidic chamber comprising a shim such that and a contiguous gap is present between a sample fluid and the chamber membrane. The microfluidic systems find use in the decrease in time for reactions occurring therein.