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.

Abstract: This invention is directed to sterilization indicator systems for determining the effectiveness of sterilization processes. Test indicator devices comprise a container that is open on one end and has liquid impermeable and substantially gas non-absorptive walls which surround the biological or chemical material to be used as the indicator system, the opening contains a barrier that allows fluid such as gas to flow from the outside, through the plug and into the interior chamber containing the indicator system providing the detection. The entire indicator is further contained within a sealed pouch that is liquid impermeable and gas permeable under the conditions of a gas over steam sterilization system. The flexible pouch allows the test indicator to properly function while protecting the indicator from the environment while maintaining reliability of the test results.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel apparatus and methods for inserting and positioning a compressible material into a container and for using the container for detecting a specific environmental parameter or combination of parameters, or for determining the effectiveness of a sterilization procedure. Precise positioning of a plug of compressible material in a container has been discovered to provide flexibility necessary for production of indicator systems that vary in their response to sterilizing conditions to reflect the efficacy of sterilizers based on different modes of sterilization and reproduceability necessary for accurate monitoring of each mode. The invention also relates to test indicators containing controlled volumes of compressed, gas-permeable materials and to methods for using test indicators for determining the efficacy of different types of sterilization processes. The test indicator consists of a plurality of interactive enzymes in a container with at least one opening.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel apparatus and methods for inserting and positioning a compressible material into a container and for using the container for detecting a specific environmental parameter or combination of parameters, or for determining the effectiveness of a sterilization procedure. Precise positioning of a plug of compressible material in a container has been discovered to provide flexibility necessary for production of indicator systems that vary in their response to sterilizing conditions to reflect the efficacy of sterilizers based on different modes of sterilization and reproduceability necessary for accurate monitoring of each mode. The invention also relates to test indicators containing controlled volumes of compressed, gas-permeable materials and to methods for using test indicators for determining the efficacy of different types of sterilization processes. The test indicator consists of a plurality of interactive enzymes in a container with at least one opening.

Abstract: This invention is directed to sterilization indicator systems for determining the effectiveness of sterilization processes. Test indicator devices comprise a container that is open on one end and has liquid impermeable and substantially gas non-absorptive walls which surround the biological or chemical material to be used as the indicator system. the opening contains a barrier that allows fluid such as gas to flow from the outside, through the plug and into the interior chamber containing the indicator system providing the detection. The entire indicator is further contained within a sealed pouch that is liquid impermeable and gas permeable under the conditions of a gas over steam sterilization system. The flexible pouch allows the test indicator to properly function while protecting the indicator from the environment while maintaining reliability of the test results.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel apparatus and methods for inserting and positioning a compressible material into a container and for using the container for detecting a specific environmental parameter or combination of parameters, or for determining the effectiveness of a sterilization procedure. Precise positioning of a plug of compressible material in a container has been discovered to provide flexibility necessary for production of indicator systems that vary in their response to sterilizing conditions to reflect the efficacy of sterilizers based on different modes of sterilization and reproduceability necessary for accurate monitoring of each mode. The invention also relates to test indicators containing controlled volumes of compressed, gas-permeable materials and to methods for using test indicators for determining the efficacy of different types of sterilization processes. The test indicator consists of a plurality of interactive enzymes in a container with at least one opening.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel apparatus and methods for inserting and positioning a compressible material into a container and for using the container for detecting a specific environmental parameter or combination of parameters, or for determining the effectiveness of a sterilization procedure. Precise positioning of a plug of compressible material in a container has been discovered to provide flexibility necessary for production of indicator systems that vary in their response to sterilizing conditions to reflect the efficacy of sterilizers based on different modes of sterilization and reproduceability necessary for accurate monitoring of each mode. The invention also relates to test indicators containing controlled volumes of compressed, gas-permeable materials and to methods for using test indicators for determining the efficacy of different types of sterilization processes. The test indicator consists of a plurality of interactive enzymes in a container with at least one opening.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel apparatus and methods for inserting and positioning a compressible material into a container and for using the container for detecting a specific environmental parameter or combination of parameters, or for determining the effectiveness of a sterilization procedure. Precise positioning of a plug of compressible material in a container has been discovered to provide flexibility necessary for production of indicator systems that vary in their response to sterilizing conditions to reflect the efficacy of sterilizers based on different modes of sterilization and reproduceability necessary for accurate monitoring of each mode. The invention also relates to test indicators containing controlled volumes of compressed, gas-permeable materials and to methods for using test indicators for determining the efficacy of different types of sterilization processes. The test indicator consists of a plurality of interactive enzymes in a container with at least one opening.