Abstract: This invention relates to a chemical indicator, comprising: a non-cellulosic backing layer; a non-cellulosic cover layer overlying the backing layer; the backing layer and/or the cover layer comprising a gas permeable polymeric film; a non-cellulosic wicking material positioned between the backing layer and the cover layer; a dye composition positioned between the backing layer and the cover layer and in contact with or nearly in contact with the wicking strip, the dye composition comprising an indicator dye which changes color in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, and a base medium, which melts at a temperature in the range from about 45° C. to about 65° C.; the cover layer including a transparent portion to permit observation of the wicking material; and an adhesive for adhering the cover layer to the backing layer. The chemical indicator may be referred to as a moving front chemical indicator.

Abstract: This invention relates to a capacitor comprising two electrical conductors separated by a dielectric, the dielectric comprising microorganisms. The dielectric may comprise a biological indicator. This invention relates to a process for determining whether the microorganisms are alive or dead. The number of microorganisms can be determined. This invention relates to a process for testing the efficacy of a sterilization process using the capacitor.

Abstract: A process for determining the viability of a biological indicator includes exposing the biological indicator to a viability detection medium, the biological indicator including test microorganisms, the exposing the biological indicator to the viability detection medium producing a gaseous reaction product when one or more of the test microorganisms are viable. The presence or absence of the gaseous reaction product produced by the biological indicator combined with the viability detection medium is detected with a sensing device, the sensing device comprising a capacitive sensor, an electro-mechanical sensor, or a resistive sensor, wherein the presence of the gaseous reaction product indicates the presence of viable test microorganisms and the absence of the gaseous reaction product indicates the absence of viable test microorganisms. A sterilization detection device includes a container configured to contain the biological indicator, a viability detection medium, and the sensing device.

Abstract: A process for determining the viability of a biological indicator includes exposing the biological indicator to a viability detection medium, the biological indicator including test microorganisms, the exposing the biological indicator to the viability detection medium producing a gaseous reaction product when one or more of the test microorganisms are viable. The presence or absence of the gaseous reaction product produced by the biological indicator combined with the viability detection medium is detected with a sensing device, the sensing device comprising a capacitive sensor, wherein the presence of the gaseous reaction product indicates the presence of viable test microorganisms and the absence of the gaseous reaction product indicates the absence of viable test microorganisms. A sterilization detection device includes a container configured to contain the biological indicator, a viability detection medium, and the sensing device.

Abstract: A recovery medium that is particularly suited for following enzymatic reactions where the fluorescent product is excited at a wavelength of 320 to 370 nm and emits at a wavelength of 420 to 460 nm is provided. The recovery medium is clear in color and does not contain the combination of compounds that participate in the Maillard reaction. The recovery medium is suitable for self-contained biological indicator systems.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a two-part liquid composition for cleaning and disinfecting a substrate, comprising: (A) a disinfectant medium comprising peracetic acid; and (B) a supplemental medium comprising a non-enzymatic cleaner, a corrosion inhibitor, and a chelator. The supplemental medium (B) may further comprise an enzymatic cleaner, a surfactant, a buffer, a pH modifier, or a mixture of two or more thereof. The substrate may be a medical device, for example, an endoscope.

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: The disclosed invention relates to a two-part liquid composition for cleaning and disinfecting a substrate, comprising: (A) a disinfectant medium comprising peracetic acid; and (B) a supplemental medium comprising a non-enzymatic cleaner, a corrosion inhibitor, and a chelator. The supplemental medium (B) may further comprise an enzymatic cleaner, a surfactant, a buffer, a pH modifier, or a mixture of two or more thereof. The substrate may be a medical device, for example, an endoscope.

Abstract: A process for determining the viability of a biological indicator includes exposing the biological indicator to a viability detection medium, the biological indicator including test microorganisms, the exposing the biological indicator to the viability detection medium producing a gaseous reaction product when one or more of the test microorganisms are viable. The presence or absence of the gaseous reaction product produced by the biological indicator combined with the viability detection medium is detected with a sensing device, the sensing device comprising a capacitive sensor, wherein the presence of the gaseous reaction product indicates the presence of viable test microorganisms and the absence of the gaseous reaction product indicates the absence of viable test microorganisms. A sterilization detection device includes a container configured to contain the biological indicator, a viability detection medium, and the sensing device.

Abstract: This invention relates to a capacitor comprising two electrical conductors separated by a dielectric, the dielectric comprising microorganisms. The dielectric may comprise a biological indicator. This invention relates to a process for determining whether the microorganisms are alive or dead. The number of microorganisms can be determined. This invention relates to a process for testing the efficacy of a sterilization process using the capacitor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a capacitor comprising two electrical conductors separated by a dielectric, the dielectric comprising microorganisms. The dielectric may comprise a biological indicator. This invention relates to a process for determining whether the microorganisms are alive or dead. The number of microorganisms can be determined. This invention relates to a process for testing the efficacy of a sterilization process using the capacitor.

Abstract: A recovery medium that is particularly suited for following enzymatic reactions where the fluorescent product is excited at a wavelength of 320 to 370 nm and emits at a wavelength of 420 to 460 nm is provided. The recovery medium is clear in color and does not contain the combination of compounds that participate in the Maillard reaction. The recovery medium is suitable for self-contained biological indicator systems.

Abstract: A sterilant composition is disclosed which contains peracetic acid and a non-aqueous solvent. The sterilant composition may include one or more of a buffer, an anticorrosive agent and a chelator. The sterilant composition may be free of added water. The sterilant composition may be used for sterilizing articles such as medical, dental, pharmaceutical, veterinary or mortuary instruments, devices, and the like.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a two-part liquid composition for cleaning and disinfecting a substrate, comprising: (A) a disinfectant medium comprising peracetic acid; and (B) a supplemental medium comprising a non-enzymatic cleaner, a corrosion inhibitor, and a chelator. The supplemental medium (B) may further comprise an enzymatic cleaner, a surfactant, a buffer, a pH modifier, or a mixture of two or more thereof. The substrate may be a medical device, for example, an endoscope.

Abstract: This invention relates to a capacitor comprising two electrical conductors separated by a dielectric, the dielectric comprising microorganisms. The dielectric may comprise a biological indicator. This invention relates to a process for determining whether the microorganisms are alive or dead. The number of microorganisms can be determined. This invention relates to a process for testing the efficacy of a sterilization process using the capacitor.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed which comprises (A) an anti-microbial agent comprising peracetic acid; and (B) a reagent mixture comprising a buffer, an anticorrosive agent and a chelator. The composition may be characterized by the absence of molybdate. The foregoing composition may be dispersed in water to form a liquid sterilant. The liquid sterilant may be used for sterilizing articles such as medical, dental, pharmaceutical, veterinary or mortuary instruments, devices, and the like.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a two-part liquid composition for cleaning and disinfecting a substrate, comprising: (A) a disinfectant medium comprising peracetic acid; and (B) a supplemental medium comprising a non-enzymatic cleaner, a corrosion inhibitor, and a chelator. The supplemental medium (B) may further comprise an enzymatic cleaner, a surfactant, a buffer, a pH modifier, or a mixture of two or more thereof. The substrate may be a medical device, for example, an endoscope.

Abstract: A sterilizing apparatus and a process for sterilizing an article in the sterilizing apparatus, the apparatus including a sterilization chamber and a sterilant introduction system, wherein the sterilant introduction system separately supplies components (A) and (B) to form a composition comprising the components (A) and (B), the components including (A) an anti-microbial agent comprising peracetic acid; and (B) a reagent mixture comprising a buffer, an anticorrosive agent and a chelator; in which the composition is characterized by the absence of molybdate. In the apparatus and in the process, components (A) and (B) may be introduced separately.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed which comprises (A) an anti-microbial agent comprising peracetic acid; and (B) a reagent mixture comprising a buffer, an anticorrosive agent and a chelator. The composition may be characterized by the absence of molybdate. The foregoing composition may be dispersed in water to form a liquid sterilant. The liquid sterilant may be used for sterilizing articles such as medical, dental, pharmaceutical, veterinary or mortuary instruments, devices, and the like.