Abstract: A quick open syringe for use in testing an ethylene oxide sterilizer comprises a vented hollow container for receiving and holding a test unit therein. A lid with a handle covers an opening to the container and the container itself is formed with a piercing point. The quick open syringe and enclosed test unit can be positioned in a sterilizable peel pouch. After completion of a sterilization cycle, the container and lid handle may be grasped to remove the lid from the container and puncture the peel pouch with the point to enable removal of the test unit from the quick open syringe and the pouch.

Abstract: An adjustable test pack for determining the efficiency of a vacuum in an autoclave comprises a porous bundle partially including open cell foam and having non-porous layers placed on its surface to leave a portion thereof exposed. A sheet with a steam sensitive indicator ink printed thereon is selectively embedded in the bundle for placement in an autoclave where a vacuum is drawn to evacuate air from the bundle through its exposed surface portions. Steam is then introduced to replace the evacuated air and react with the indicator ink wherever there is contact. The amount of indicator ink contacted by the steam may be varied according to the selected placement of the indicator sheet in the bundle and provides a measure of the efficiency of the vacuum.

Abstract: A disposable sterilization test pack for determining the efficacy of sterilizing equipment comprises a porous base pad having a cavity for receiving the sterilization indicator. Porous pads are disposed on opposite sides of the base pad to retain the sterilization indicator within the cavity, and an impermeable layer is disposed against one of the porous pads to confine the introduction and evacuation of air from the test pack to the edges of the test pack and the exposed porous pad which is not covered by the impermeable layer.

Abstract: A device for protecting medical instruments during sterilization and subsequent handling comprising a support member formed with a retaining loop for holding the instrument on the support member. A clear plastic sheet is joined at a portion of the margin of the support member to define a pocket into which the cutting edges of the medical instrument are placed for protection. A projection of the sheet which overhangs the open end of the pocket can be folded away from the support member to facilitate insertion of the instrument tips into the pocket. For jointed instruments, the support member may also have an attached flap which is folded to position between the open handles of the instrument and thereby separate the instrument's cutting edges during the sterilization process.

Abstract: A test pack for determining the efficiency of a vacuum in an autoclave comprises a porous bundle having a plurality of nonporous layers placed on its surface to leave a portion thereof exposed. A sheet with a steam sensitive indicator ink printed thereon is embedded in the bundle for placement in an autoclave where a vacuum is drawn to evacuate air therefrom through the exposed surface portions of the bundle. Steam is then introduced to replace the evacuated air and react with the indicator ink wherever there is contact. The amount of indicator ink contacted by the steam is a measure of the efficiency of the vacuum.

Abstract: An improved test pack for determining the efficiency of a vacuum in an autoclave comprises a porous bundle partially including open cell foam and having a plurality of non-porous gas impermeable layers placed on its surface to leave a portion thereof exposed. A sheet with a steam sensitive indicator ink printed thereon is embedded in the bundle for placement in an autoclave where a vacuum is drawn to evacuate air therefrom through the exposed surface portions of the bundle. Steam is then introduced to replace the evacuated air and react with the indicator ink wherever there is contact. The amount of indicator ink contacted by the steam is a measure of the efficiency of the vacuum.

Abstract: A device for protecting medical instruments during sterilization and subsequent handling comprising a support member formed with a retaining loop for holding the instrument on the support member. A clear plastic sheet is joined at a portion of the margin of the support member to define a pocket into which the cutting edges of the medical instrument are placed for protection. For jointed instruments, the support member may also have an attached flap which is folded to position between the open handles of the instrument and thereby separate the instrument's cutting edges during the sterilization process.

Abstract: A sterility indicator device comprising a base of steam permeable, absorbent material, e.g. paperboard, having mounted thereon at least one, though preferably three separate indicator ink spots of chromium chloride that change color in response to predetermined combinations of time, temperature and saturated steam, impermeable transparent cover films bonded to the top surface of the base overlaying the indicator ink spots and to the bottom surface of the base thereby preventing the escape of corrosive reactants there through, and an adhesive substance, to be used to bond the impermeable cover films to the base.