Abstract: A biological indicator system for determining the efficacy of a sterilization process is provided. The system includes a radiofrequency identification sensing board having a radiofrequency identification tag, a microcontroller/digital electronics, a sensing pad, and a circuit coupled to the sensing pad that measures an impedance level or a resistance level of the sensing pad upon exposure to a volatile organic compound. The radiofrequency identification tag includes a radiofrequency integrated circuit and an antenna that communicates wirelessly with a radiofrequency identification reader to transmit data associated with the impedance or resistance levels measured from the sensing pad. The data can be transmitted in real-time during incubation, and this data can then be sent to a user interface to determine the efficacy of a sterilization process when the biological indicator system is placed in a sterilization chamber during a sterilization cycle. A method of using the system is also provided.

Abstract: A dispensing assembly includes a dispenser having a front panel, a rear panel, a top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel that define an internal chamber configured to receive a plurality of articles. The dispenser includes a dispensing opening. At least a portion of the dispensing opening is formed in the front panel, and may extend a width of the panel, e.g., from the first side panel to the second side panel. The dispensing assembly further includes a shelf contained within the internal chamber and configured to facilitate the removal of an individual article from within the internal chamber in an efficient manner. The dispensing assembly further includes an insert configured to maintain the stack of articles in a predetermined arrangement within the internal chamber. The insert comprises at least one retaining flap configured to be coupled with the top panel of the dispenser.

Abstract: Seal integrity indicators for sterilization containers are provided. For example, a seal indicator may indicate whether the container is sufficiently sealed to prevent an ingress of contaminants into the container. If the container is sufficiently sealed, the seal indicator is visible, but if not, the seal indicator is not visible. Thus, the seal indicator undergoes a change in state when the sterilization container transitions from unsealed to sealed, or vice versa, such that a user may ascertain whether the container is properly sealed to maintain the container's sterility. An exemplary seal indicator includes an invertible projection formed with the container gasket that is not visible from outside the container until inverted, due to force applied by the lid, to extend through an opening in the container body. Closure mechanisms for sterilization containers also are provided.

Abstract: Seal integrity indicators for sterilization containers are provided. For example, a seal indicator may indicate whether the container is sufficiently sealed to prevent an ingress of contaminants into the container. If the container is sufficiently sealed, the seal indicator is visible, but if not, the seal indicator is not visible. Thus, the seal indicator undergoes a change in state when the sterilization container transitions from unsealed to sealed, or vice versa, such that a user may ascertain whether the container is properly sealed to maintain the container's sterility. An exemplary seal indicator includes an invertible projection formed with the container gasket that is not visible from outside the container until inverted, due to force applied by the lid, to extend through an opening in the container body. Closure mechanisms for sterilization containers also are provided.

Abstract: Seal integrity indicators for sterilization containers are provided. For example, a seal indicator may indicate whether the container is sufficiently sealed to prevent an ingress of contaminants into the container. If the container is sufficiently sealed, the seal indicator is visible, but if not, the seal indicator is not visible. Thus, the seal indicator undergoes a change in state when the sterilization container transitions from unsealed to sealed, or vice versa, such that a user may ascertain whether the container is properly sealed to maintain the container's sterility. An exemplary seal indicator includes an invertible projection formed with the container gasket that is not visible from outside the container until inverted, due to force applied by the lid, to extend through an opening in the container body. Closure mechanisms for sterilization containers also are provided.

Abstract: Closure mechanisms and seal integrity indicators for sterilization containers are provided. For example, a closure mechanism comprising at least one handle and at least two arms is provided with a sterilization container lid to apply a more uniform or evenly distributed force to a container gasket. A container body defines an inner lip on which the gasket and lid are received such that the sealing interface is recessed within the container. Further, a seal indicator may indicate whether the container is sufficiently sealed to prevent an ingress of contaminants into the container. If the container is sufficiently sealed, the seal indicator is visible, but if not, the seal indicator is not visible. Thus, the seal indicator undergoes a change in state when the sterilization container transitions from unsealed to sealed, or vice versa, such that a user may ascertain whether the container is properly sealed to maintain the container's sterility.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a dispensing assembly for dispensing articles, such as disposable eyewear (e.g., face shields, safety glasses, goggles, etc.), face masks, gloves, etc. The dispensing assembly includes a container having a plurality of exterior panels. The exterior panels define an internal chamber and a dispenser opening on the container including a first portion and a second portion defined by a flap on one of the plurality of external panels. The dispensing assembly also includes a folded portion contained within the internal chamber. The folded portion includes a plurality of folded sections configured together and is disposed adjacent an article storage area. The article storage area is configured to receive a plurality of articles. The flap functions as a retention mechanism and the folded portion functions as a ramp to facilitate the removal of an individual article from the article storage area within the internal chamber in an efficient manner.

Abstract: A pocket and drape system which provides one or more sterile fields, as well as the methodology for employing said pocket and drape system is provided. The pocket and drape system includes a base drape material having an upper edge, a lower edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge to define a perimeter. The base drape material further includes a first longitudinal fold line, a second longitudinal fold line, a first transverse fold line and a second transverse fold line, wherein the first and second transverse fold lines are generally perpendicular to the first and second longitudinal fold lines. The base drape material has a first surface and an opposing second surface. In addition, the system includes a flap covering a portion of the first surface of the base drape material, wherein the flap has a first surface and an opposing second surface, wherein the flap maintains at least one sterile field.

Abstract: Closure mechanisms and seal integrity indicators for sterilization containers are provided. For example, a closure mechanism comprising at least one handle and at least two arms is provided with a sterilization container lid to apply a more uniform or evenly distributed force to a container gasket. A container body defines an inner lip on which the gasket and lid are received such that the sealing interface is recessed within the container. Further, a seal indicator may indicate whether the container is sufficiently sealed to prevent an ingress of contaminants into the container. If the container is sufficiently sealed, the seal indicator is visible, but if not, the seal indicator is not visible. Thus, the seal indicator undergoes a change in state when the sterilization container transitions from unsealed to sealed, or vice versa, such that a user may ascertain whether the container is properly sealed to maintain the container's sterility.

Abstract: An accessory cuff is configured to reinforce a gown-glove interface to protect a wearer from exposure to potential pathogens or contaminants through vulnerabilities in the gown-glove interface. The accessory cuff includes a body extending from a proximal end to a distal end along a longitudinal axis. The body has a lumen extending therethrough from the proximal end to the distal end, and a wall surrounding the lumen. The accessory cuff is configured to create a fluid impervious barrier to prevent fluid from entering the lumen when the accessory cuff is sealed at the proximal end and the distal end.

Abstract: Closure mechanisms and seal integrity indicators for sterilization containers are provided. For example, a closure mechanism comprising at least one handle and at least two arms is provided with a sterilization container lid to apply a more uniform or evenly distributed force to a container gasket. A container body defines an inner lip on which the gasket and lid are received such that the sealing interface is recessed within the container. Further, a seal indicator may indicate whether the container is sufficiently sealed to prevent an ingress of contaminants into the container. If the container is sufficiently sealed, the seal indicator is visible, but if not, the seal indicator is not visible. Thus, the seal indicator undergoes a change in state when the sterilization container transitions from unsealed to sealed, or vice versa, such that a user may ascertain whether the container is properly sealed to maintain the container's sterility.

Abstract: Closure mechanisms and seal integrity indicators for sterilization containers are provided. For example, a closure mechanism comprising at least one handle and at least two arms is provided with a sterilization container lid to apply a more uniform or evenly distributed force to a container gasket. A container body defines an inner lip on which the gasket and lid are received such that the sealing interface is recessed within the container. Further, a seal indicator may indicate whether the container is sufficiently sealed to prevent an ingress of contaminants into the container. If the container is sufficiently sealed, the seal indicator is visible, but if not, the seal indicator is not visible. Thus, the seal indicator undergoes a change in state when the sterilization container transitions from unsealed to sealed, or vice versa, such that a user may ascertain whether the container is properly sealed to maintain the container's sterility.

Abstract: Seal integrity indicators for sterilization containers are provided. For example, a seal indicator may indicate whether the container is sufficiently sealed to prevent an ingress of contaminants into the container. If the container is sufficiently sealed, the seal indicator is visible, but if not, the seal indicator is not visible. Thus, the seal indicator undergoes a change in state when the sterilization container transitions from unsealed to sealed, or vice versa, such that a user may ascertain whether the container is properly sealed to maintain the container's sterility. An exemplary seal indicator includes an invertible projection formed with the container gasket that is not visible from outside the container until inverted, due to force applied by the lid, to extend through an opening in the container body. Closure mechanisms for sterilization containers also are provided.