Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure related to a computer system and method for analyzing whether a package has been opened. The system includes a memory and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the memory and can be configured to receive an image corresponding to a wrapped package. The one or more processors can also be configured to generate a set of feature values based on a visual representation of the wrapped package in the image. The one or more processors can also be configured to apply the set of feature values to at least one model that is trained based at least in part on a set of images that include the wrapped package having the status, to determine the status of the wrapped package.

Abstract: A system for assessing efficacy of a sterilization process is disclosed. The system includes a biological indicator, a receptacle configured to receive the biological indicator, an actuator mechanism, and a sensing system operatively coupled to the actuator mechanism. A method of using the system for assessing efficacy of a sterilization process is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to self-contained biological indicators wherein a single type of indicator is capable of being used for various sterilization conditions, including sterilization with steam and/or ethylene oxide. In some embodiments, a single type of biological indicator is capable of being used for different steam sterilization conditions having varied temperatures and sterilization cycles.

Abstract: Methods that include: subjecting an article including a moisture sensor to steam sterilization in a steam sterilizer to produce a sterilized article, the moisture sensor having a moisture absorbing layer and a resonant circuit; subjecting the sterilized article to drying; and interrogating the resonant circuit, wherein the interrogation is affected by an amount of water present in the moisture absorbing layer.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a system including an image capture device and a computing device configured to receive a test image from the image capture device corresponding to a first surgical instrument, determine an identity type of the first surgical instrument using the test image in a machine vision technique, determine whether the first surgical instrument is flagged, and perform at least one operation in response to whether the first surgical instrument is flagged.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a system including an image capture device and a computing device configured to receive a test image from the image capture device corresponding to a first surgical instrument, determine an identity type of the first surgical instrument using the test image in a machine vision technique, determine whether the first surgical instrument is flagged, and perform at least one operation in response to whether the first surgical instrument is flagged.

Abstract: Provided is an endoscope port stopper including a first plug comprising a first central axis and a second plug comprising a second central axis, where the first plug is configured to releasably seal a first endoscope port and the second plug is configured to releasably seal a second endoscope port. In some embodiments, port stoppers may further include a third plug and/or a fourth plug.

Abstract: An applicator; an applicator set; a method for determining cleanliness of a surface using the applicator or the applicator set; and a system for determining cleanliness of a surface comprising the applicator or the applicator set. The applicator can include a marker composition and an applicator body capable of retaining the marker composition. The marker composition can include retroreflective particles and a dispersion medium, the blending ratio of the retroreflective particles being from 50 to 90 mass % on the basis of the total marker composition.

Abstract: An endoscope flushing assembly is provided. In some embodiments, the flushing assembly may include an adapter and a stand. In some embodiments, the flushing assembly may further comprise a stopper. In some embodiments, the flushing assembly may further comprise a sample fluid tube. In some embodiments, the flushing assembly may further comprise a fluid receptacle. Also provided are a flushing assembly kit and a method of using the endoscope flushing assembly to evaluate the cleanliness and/or disinfection of an endoscope.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a monitoring device comprising a test composition, a test element comprising a test portion to which the test composition is releasably adhered, a detection reagent, and a container comprising a first end with an opening and a second end opposite the first end. The test composition comprises a predetermined quantity of tracer analyte. The container is configured to receive the test portion and configured to be operationally coupled to an analytical instrument. The tracer analyte and the detection reagent each are capable of participating in one or more chemical reaction that results in the formation of a detectable product. A method of using the monitoring device to assess the efficacy of a washing process is also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a monitoring device comprising a test composition, a test element comprising a test portion to which the test composition is releasably adhered, a detection reagent, and a container comprising a first end with an opening and a second end opposite the first end. The test composition comprises a predetermined quantity of tracer analyte. The container is configured to receive the test portion and configured to be operationally coupled to an analytical instrument. The tracer analyte and the detection reagent each are capable of participating in one or more chemical reaction that results in the formation of a detectable product. A method of using the monitoring device to assess the efficacy of a washing process is also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an article for detecting a disinfectant via visual feedback. The article have a first substrate with a first major surface and opposite ends. The article also comprises a process indicator disposed on at least a portion of the first major surface. The process indicator reacts with at least one liquid disinfectant selected from the group consisting of glutaraldehyde, ortho-phthalaldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, peroxyacetic acid, and combinations thereof. The process indicator can be formed from a synthetic amine-containing polymer derived from polyethylenimine (PEI). The article can have a flow channel that is formed by a portion of the process indicator and that extends between the opposite ends. The disclosure also relates to a kit containing the article as well as a method of using the article in a disinfection process. The article is used to diagnose issues in an automated endoscope reprocessors (AERs).

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a system including an image capture device and a computing device configured to receive a test image from the image capture device corresponding to a first surgical instrument, determine an identity type of the first surgical instrument using the test image in a machine vision technique, determine whether the first surgical instrument is flagged, and perform at least one operation in response to whether the first surgical instrument is flagged.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure related to a computer system and method for analyzing whether a package has been opened. The system includes a memory and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the memory and can be configured to receive an image corresponding to a wrapped package. The one or more processors can also be configured to generate a set of feature values based on a visual representation of the wrapped package in the image. The one or more processors can also be configured to apply the set of feature values to at least one model that is trained based at least in part on a set of images that include the wrapped package having the status, to determine the status of the wrapped package.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a method and system for reading an optically active article. The system includes an image capture device and a light source positioned proximate to the image capture device. The system also includes a group of one or more surgical installments associated with an optically active article, wherein the optically active article is proximate to the group and includes identifying information. The system includes a computing device communicatively coupled to the image capture device and the light source, the computing device comprising one or more computer processors and a memory comprising; instructions that when executed by the one or more computer processors cause the one or more computer processors to receive, from the image capture device, a first image of the optically active article under a first lighting condition and determine an identity of the group based on first image.

Abstract: A composition for monitoring the efficacy of a decontamination process is provided, the composition comprising a cellulose polymer and a predetermined quantity of an adenine nucleotide. A monitoring device comprising a test element with the composition disposed thereon is also provided. The composition and/or monitoring device can be used in a method. The method includes exposing the monitoring device to a decontamination process and subsequently measuring the residual tracer analyte on the monitoring device.

Abstract: A cartridge for use with a process monitoring system. The process monitoring system can include an adapter comprising a first fluid pathway and configured to be positioned in fluid communication with a reprocessing system. At least a portion of the cartridge can be configured to be removably received in a receptacle of the adapter. The cartridge can include a second fluid pathway configured to be positioned in fluid communication with the first fluid pathway of the adapter when at least a portion of the cartridge is positioned in the receptacle of the adapter. The cartridge can further include at least one indicator positioned on the cartridge in fluid communication with the second fluid pathway of the cartridge.

Abstract: Moisture sensors that include a resonant circuit having a capacitive element and an inductive element, wherein the inductive element acts as an antenna; a conditionally conductive polymeric layer, wherein the conditionally conductive polymeric layer has a first level of conductivity when exposed to a first set of moisture conditions and has a second level of conductivity when exposed to a second set of moisture conditions; and an insulative layer disposed between the resonant circuit and the conditionally conductive polymeric layer.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a novel monitoring system which enables a user to verify the effectiveness of the disinfection cycle provided by an automated endoscope reprocessor (AER). The disclosure proposes the use of chemical and/or biological indicators integrated within a process challenge device that mimics the challenge posed by an endoscope processed in the AER.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining the cleanliness of a surface. Surface marking systems of the present disclosure can include a plurality of retroreflective microspheres dispersed in or dispensed on a carrier. Applicators of the present disclosure can include a container comprising the surface marking system, and a dispenser. Methods of the present disclosure can include applying the surface marking system to at least one discrete site on the surface; illuminating the at least one discrete site on the surface with visible light, after a cleaning; and detecting retroreflection emitted from the at least one discrete site on the surface in response to illuminating the at least one discrete site to determine the effectiveness of the cleaning of the surface.