Abstract: An ethylene oxide sterilization sensor, and method of use, wherein the sensor includes: a heat-shrinkable film; an acid-functional porous sorbent in thermal contact with the heat-shrinkable film; and an acid having a boiling point above 120° C. and a pKa of no greater than 2.5, wherein the acid is impregnated in or covalently attached to the porous sorbent.

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, hydrogen peroxide, 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: The present disclosure provides an ethylene oxide sterilization sensor and method of use. The sensor includes: at least one thermal indicator component independently selected from an electronic thermal sensor, an irreversible temperature indicator, and a heat-shrinkable film; an acid-functional porous sorbent or an acid-functional nonwoven fibrous substrate in thermal contact with the at least one thermal indicator component; and an acid having a boiling point above 120° C. and a pKa of no greater than 2.5. The acid is impregnated in or covalently attached to the porous sorbent or is covalently attached to the nonwoven fibrous substrate. The sensor includes at least one of the electronic thermal sensor, the irreversible temperature indicator, or the acid-functional nonwoven fibrous substrate.

Abstract: A method is provided. The method includes providing an article, the article including a nonwoven substrate having a copolymer grafted thereto, the copolymer including interpolymerized monomer units of a quaternary ammonium-containing ligand monomers; an amide monomer; an oxy monomer; and a coating on the nonwoven substrate, the coating including a plurality of test microorganisms, an enzyme or a second substrate; and contacting the article with a detection medium for a period of time.

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: An ethylene oxide sterilization sensor, and method of use, wherein the sensor includes: a heat-shrinkable film; an acid-functional porous sorbent in thermal contact with the heat-shrinkable film; and an acid having a boiling point above 120° C. and a pKa of no greater than 2.5, wherein the acid is impregnated in or covalently attached to the porous sorbent.

Abstract: A method is provided. The method includes providing an article, the article including a nonwoven substrate having a copolymer grafted thereto, the copolymer including interpolymerized monomer units of a quaternary ammonium-containing ligand monomers; an amide monomer; an oxy monomer; and a coating on the nonwoven substrate, the coating including a plurality of test microorganisms, an enzyme or a second substrate; and contacting the article with a detection medium for a period of time.

Abstract: A composition, including: amine-modified silica nanoparticles, an indicator compound, and a liquid medium comprising water and no greater than 30 wt-% organic solvent, if present, based on the total weight of liquid medium. A method, including: providing the composition of current application; and contacting a plurality of cells or enzymes with the composition.

Abstract: Spore carriers suitable for use in biological indicators are described. The spore carriers include a substrate such as polymeric film or non-woven web with a hydrophilic nanostructured layer bonded to it. Spores are bonded to the nanostructured layer. Nanostructured layers including nanoparticles, such as acid-sintered silica nanoparticles are described. Biological indicators including such spore carriers are also described.

Abstract: Spore carriers suitable for use in biological indicators are described. The spore carriers include a substrate such as polymeric film or non-woven web with a hydrophilic nanostructured layer bonded to it. Spores are bonded to the nanostructured layer. Nanostructured layers including nanoparticles, such as acid-sintered silica nanoparticles are described. Biological indicators including such spore carriers are also described.

Abstract: Spore carriers suitable for use in biological indicators are described. The spore carriers include a substrate such as polymeric film or non-woven web with a hydrophilic nanostructured layer bonded to it. Spores are bonded to the nanostructured layer. Nanostructured layers including nanoparticles, such as acid-sintered silica nanoparticles are described. Biological indicators including such spore carriers are also described.

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: Spore carriers suitable for use in biological indicators are described. The spore carriers include a substrate such as polymeric film or non-woven web with a hydrophilic nanostructured layer bonded to it. Spores are bonded to the nanostructured layer. Nanostructured layers including nanoparticles, such as acid-sintered silica nanoparticles are described. Biological indicators including such spore carriers are also described.

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: 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: A sterilization process challenge device comprising a first container comprising walls which define a first space within the first container; a process indicator within the first space; at least one sterilant access for a sterilant to enter the first space within the first container; wherein at least one of the walls which defines the first space is a flexible wall; and wherein the walls are impervious to the sterilant; a method of using the device; and a kit including the device are disclosed.

Abstract: Sterilization indicator test packs for testing the effectiveness of a sterilization procedure are provided. Both non-challenge and challenge-type test packs are disclosed. The non-challenge test packs include generally comprise a tray for holding a sterilization indicator the tray containing an elevated rim surface defining the perimeter of the tray and a recessed trough for receiving a sterilization indicator. The rim surface includes a plurality of spaced-apart grooves along its length extending through the rim to the recessed trough; a sterilization indicator within the recessed trough of the tray; and a lid that forms a plurality of channels with the grooves in the tray such that sterilant can enter the tray through the channels and contact the sterilization indicator.

Abstract: Sterilization indicator test packs for testing the effectiveness of a sterilization procedure are provided. Both non-challenge and challenge-type test packs are disclosed. The non-challenge test packs include generally comprise a tray for holding a sterilization indicator the tray containing an elevated rim surface defining the perimeter of the tray and a recessed trough for receiving a sterilization indicator. The rim surface includes a plurality of spaced-apart grooves along its length extending through the rim to the recessed trough; a sterilization indicator within the recessed trough of the tray; and a lid that forms a plurality of channels with the grooves in the tray such that sterilant can enter the tray through the channels and contact the sterilization indicator.

Abstract: A sterilization indicator is useful for testing the effectiveness of sterilization procedures that disinfect objects by contacting them with a liquid sterilization procedure. The indicator includes an outer container having an open end and a cover material associated with the open end that is impermeable to liquids and bacteria. An enzyme-gel matrix is coated on a surface within the outer container that comprises a biologically inert polymeric gel and a source of an active enzyme dispersed within the gel. The enzyme has an activity that is correlated with the survival of at least one test microorganism that is commonly used to monitor the effectiveness of a sterilization procedure. A breakable ampoule within the outer container contains a substrate that is capable of reacting with any active enzyme remaining after the indicator has been subjected to a sterilization procedure to provide a detectable indication that the sterilization procedure was ineffective.

Abstract: A sterilization indicator is useful for testing the effectiveness of sterilization procedures that disinfect objects by contacting them with a liquid sterilization procedure. The indicator includes an outer container having an open end and a cover material associated with the open end that is impermeable to liquids and bacteria. An enzyme-gel matrix is coated on a surface within the outer container that comprises a biologically inert polymeric gel and a source of an active enzyme dispersed within the gel. The enzyme has an activity that is correlated with the survival of at least one test microorganism that is commonly used to monitor the effectiveness of a sterilization procedure. A breakable ampoule within the outer container contains a substrate that is capable of reacting with any active enzyme remaining after the indicator has been subjected to a sterilization procedure to provide a detectable indication that the sterilization procedure was ineffective.