Abstract: Water-based formulations comprising an indicating composition dispersed in water are described. The water-based indicating compositions include an organic Bi(III) compound, a sulfur source, and a carbonate salt. Formulations further including a resin and/or an acidic additive are also described.

Abstract: A chemical indicator composition comprising a bismuth (III) compound selected from the group consisting of bismuth (III) oxide and a bismuth (III) compound comprising at least one organic group which includes 2 to 20 carbon atoms; elemental sulfur; and a compound which makes the composition alkaline when exposed to water vapor at an elevated temperature; a chemical indicator composition comprising a bismuth (III) compound; elemental sulfur; a compound which makes the composition alkaline when exposed to water vapor at an elevated temperature; and at least one acid other than any acid present in the bismuth (III) compound; a chemical indicator comprising a substrate and the composition coated on at least a portion of a major surface of the substrate; methods of making the chemical indicator; and methods of using the chemical indicator are disclosed.

Abstract: A sterilization process challenge device comprising a solid body comprised of walls which define a space, wherein the space can fully contain a sterilization indicator and a volume of gas of at least 5 cubic centimeters and not more than 1000 cubic centimeters; a flow restrictor associated with the solid body such that any flow of the gas out of the space and any flow of a sterilant into the space is restricted; wherein the sterilization indicator indicates whether or not it has been contacted by the sterilant for a time and at a temperature sufficient to sterilize an article; and wherein the walls of the solid body are impervious to the sterilant and have a thickness of at least 0.3 centimeter, methods of using the device and a kit including the device are disclosed.

Abstract: Water-based formulations comprising an indicating composition dispersed in water are described. The water-based indicating compositions include an organic Bi(III) compound, a sulfur source, and a carbonate salt. Formulations further including a resin and/or an acidic additive are also described.

Abstract: An electronic system for tracking and monitoring articles to be subjected to a sterilization cycle is disclosed. The method uses a sterilization indicator and electronically links sterilization information with the articles subjected to the sterilization process. The indicator allows a sterilization cycle to be monitored without the need for a user to subjectively distinguish between color, quality or intensity of display patterns.

Abstract: A chemical indicator composition comprising a bismuth (III) compound selected from the group consisting of bismuth (III) oxide and a bismuth (III) compound comprising at least one organic group which includes 2 to 20 carbon atoms; elemental sulfur; and a compound which makes the composition alkaline when exposed to water vapor at an elevated temperature; a chemical indicator composition comprising a bismuth (III) compound; elemental sulfur; a compound which makes the composition alkaline when exposed to water vapor at an elevated temperature; and at least one acid other than any acid present in the bismuth (III) compound; a chemical indicator comprising a substrate and the composition coated on at least a portion of a major surface of the substrate; methods of making the chemical indicator; and methods of using the chemical indicator are disclosed.

Abstract: A sterilization process challenge device comprising a solid body comprised of walls which define a space, wherein the space can fully contain a sterilization indicator and a volume of gas of at least 5 cubic centimeters and not more than 1000 cubic centimeters; a flow restrictor associated with the solid body such that any flow of the gas out of the space and any flow of a sterilant into the space is restricted; wherein the sterilization indicator indicates whether or not it has been contacted by the sterilant for a time and at a temperature sufficient to sterilize an article; and wherein the walls of the solid body are impervious to the sterilant and have a thickness of at least 0.3 centimeter, methods of using the device and a kit including the device are disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic system for tracking and monitoring articles to be subjected to a sterilization cycle is disclosed. The method uses a sterilization indicator and electronically links sterilization information with the articles subjected to the sterilization process. The indicator allows a sterilization cycle to be monitored without the need for a user to subjectively distinguish between color, quality or intensity of display patterns.

Abstract: A electronic system for tracking and monitoring articles to be subjected to a sterilization cycle is disclosed. The method uses a sterilization indicator and electronically links sterilization information with the articles subjected to the sterilization process. The indicator allows a sterilization cycle to be monitored without the need for a user to subjectively distinguish between color, quality or intensity of display patterns.

Abstract: A sterilization indicator having sterilizing agent sensitive indicia is described. The indicator allows a sterilization cycle to be monitored without the need for a user to subjectively distinguish between color, quality or intensity of display patterns.

Abstract: A electronic system for tracking and monitoring articles to be subjected to a sterilization cycle is disclosed. The method uses a sterilization indicator and electronically links sterilization information with the articles subjected to the sterilization process. The indicator allows a sterilization cycle to be monitored without the need for a user to subjectively distinguish between color, quality or intensity of display patterns.

Abstract: A sterilization indicator having sterilizing agent sensitive indicia is described. The indicator allows a sterilization cycle to be monitored without the need for a user to subjectively distinguish between color, quality or intensity of display patterns.

Abstract: A self-contained electronic test pack utilizes parametric measurments to determine the efficacy of a sterilization cycle. The electronic test pack is placed within a sterilization chamber and monitors and records environmental parameters at two predetermined locations during the sterilization cycle. More specifically, the test pack provides a challenging medium to challenge sterilant penetration to a first location and measures a first environmental condition at that location, and measures a second environmental condition within the sterilization chamber. The test pack records data associated with the first and second environmental conditions as well as time data from a timer within the test pack. The test pack may further process the data to determine whether adequate sterilant penetration has been achieved, or may transfer data to external devices to process the data.

Abstract: A monitor for detection of temperature and/or steam conditions indicative of sterilization. The monitor comprises means for creating a remotely detectable response upon interrogation by an electromagnetic field and means for changing the response upon exposure to a predetermined set of temperature and steam conditions. The remotely detectable response is preferably produced through the interaction of an electromagnetic interrogation field with magnetic components of the monitor, wherein the characteristic harmonic response generated by the magnetic components is either inhibited or enabled by the change in configuration of one or more elements of the detector. Sterilization conditions are detected through one or more compounds known to have melting points which are above the temperature used in the sterilization process. Melting of the chemical compound produces the change in configuration of the element or elements of the monitor.