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: 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: 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.

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: An electronic indicator includes artificial soil and sensor. An electrical characteristic of the electronic indicator can vary due to a change in the volume of the artificial soil. In some embodiments, the electrical characteristic of the electronic indicator can be measured by an electrical characteristic reader and used to determine efficacy of a cleaning cycle.

Abstract: Curable antifouling compositions include fluorinated polymers that contain a poly(hexafluoropropylene oxide) segment, an ethylenically-unsaturated group, a poly(ethylene oxide) segment, and a free-radical initiator. The curable antifouling compositions can be coated on a surface of a substrate, and at least partially cured to provide an article with antifouling properties.

Abstract: Sterilization indicators that include a neutralizer, such indicators useful for testing the effectiveness of a sterilization procedure by measuring the activity of an active enzyme whose activity is correlated with the survival of microorganisms.

Abstract: Sterilization indicators that include a neutralizer, such indicators useful for testing the effectiveness of a sterilization procedure by measuring the activity of an active enzyme whose activity is correlated with the survival of microorganisms.

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: A sample acquisition device includes a capillary array configured to draw in a sample and retain the sample by capillary action. The capillary array may be coupled to an elongated member, such as a stem or a hollow tube, which defines a longitudinal axis extending in a first direction. In some embodiments, the capillary array defines a major sample acquisition surface that extends in a second direction different than the first direction. A ratio of the major sample acquisition surface area to maximum volume retained by the capillary array may be selected to minimize physical binding between the capillary array and sample. In some embodiments, the device may include a feedback mechanism to indicate the relative pressure applied to a sample source with the sample acquisition device. In addition, in some embodiments, the sample acquisition device may include a suction source to help draw the sample into the capillary array.

Abstract: Sterilization indicators that include a neutralizer, such indicators useful for testing the effectiveness of a sterilization procedure by measuring the activity of an active enzyme whose activity is correlated with the survival of microorganisms.

Abstract: Sterilization indicators that include a unique porous carrier, such indicators useful for testing the effectiveness of a sterilization procedure by measuring the activity of an active enzyme whose activity is correlated with the survival of microorganisms.

Abstract: Disclosed are surfaces for resisting and reducing biofilm formation, particularly on medical articles (100). The surfaces include a plurality of microstructures (120) including a plurality of nanofeatures (140) arranged according to at least one unit cell. Also disclosed are methods for creating anti-adherent surfaces.

Abstract: A method of controlling a multi-step decontamination process is disclosed. The method comprises assigning articles into a plurality of groups, processing the articles through a first and/or second sub-process of the multi-step decontamination process, quantifying a biological analyte associated with residue on or in the processed articles, and setting action limits for the first and second sub-processes. A method and a system for monitoring the control of the decontamination process are also disclosed.

Abstract: Colorimetric sensors for detection of an analyte are disclosed. Methods of using the colorimetric sensor and a kit for the colorimetric detection of an analyte are also disclosed.

Abstract: Diacetylenic materials for the colorimetric detection of an analyte or exposure to certain environmental factors are disclosed as well as the polymerization reaction products of these diacetylenic compounds.

Abstract: An apparatus assembly for detecting an analyte in a sample of material includes a valve, a frame, and a plurality of housing segments. The valve may be actuated to adjust a flow path and flow rate through the housing segments.

Abstract: A sample acquisition device includes a body comprising a plurality of sample acquisition regions defined by at least a first wall and a second wall oriented nonparallel to the first wall. In some embodiments, the body defines a plurality of apertures that define a plurality of sample acquisition regions. In other embodiments, the walls extend from the body, and the sample acquisition regions are defined between the walls. The sample acquisition regions may be configured in some embodiments such that a user may acquire a sample by rotating the body in a first direction relative to a sample source and may release the sample by rotating the body in a second direction that is substantially opposite to the first direction. When rotated in the first direction, at least one of the first or second walls defines a surface that is inclined into a sample acquisition region.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of capturing bacterial whole cells that includes the use of one or more antibodies having antigenic specificities for one or more distinct analytes characteristic of the specific bacterium, followed by analyzing the target whole cells using a direct or indirect ATP assay.

Abstract: A sample acquisition device includes a capillary array configured to draw in a sample and retain the sample by capillary action. The capillary array may be coupled to an elongated member, such as a stem or a hollow tube, which defines a longitudinal axis extending in a first direction. In some embodiments, the capillary array defines a major sample acquisition surface that extends in a second direction different than the first direction. A ratio of the major sample acquisition surface area to maximum volume retained by the capillary array may be selected to minimize physical binding between the capillary array and sample. In some embodiments, the device may include a feedback mechanism to indicate the relative pressure applied to a sample source with the sample acquisition device. In addition, in some embodiments, the sample acquisition device may include a suction source to help draw the sample into the capillary array.