Activator System for Biological Indicator
Assignee3M Innovative Properties Company
InventorsKevin D. Landgrebe, G. Marco Bommarito, Wensheng Xia, Timothy A. Kohman, Timothy J. Nies, Nicholas R. Powley
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Abstract
A system for assessing efficacy of a sterilization process is disclosed. The system includes a biological indicator, a receptacle configured to receive the biological indicator, an actuator mechanism, and a sensing system operatively coupled to the actuator mechanism. A method of using the system for assessing efficacy of a sterilization process is also disclosed.
Claims20
A system for assessing efficacy of a sterilization process, comprising:
- a biological indicator;
- a receptacle configured to receive the biological indicator;
- an actuator mechanism;
- and
- a sensing system configured to sense conditions of the sterilization process, wherein the sensing system is operatively coupled to the actuator mechanism.
A device, comprising:
- a receptacle configured to receive a biological indicator;
- an actuator mechanism;
- and
- a sensing system configured to sense conditions of the sterilization process, wherein the sensing system is operatively coupled to the actuator mechanism.
A method of determining efficacy of a sterilization process, the method comprising:
- placing a device into a sterilization chamber of a sterilizer;
- wherein the device comprises a receptacle that defines a compartment dimensioned to receive a biological indicator, an actuator mechanism, and a sensing system operatively coupled to the actuator mechanism;
- wherein the biological indicator is disposed in the compartment;
- wherein the biological indicator comprises a source of biological activity;
- sealing the sterilization chamber;
- after sealing the sterilization chamber, exposing the device and the biological indicator to a sterilant in the sterilization chamber;
- during or after the exposing the device and the biological indicator to the sterilant, but before unsealing the sterilization chamber, activating the biological indicator while the biological indicator is in the sterilization chamber;
- wherein activating the biological indicator comprises contacting the source of biological activity with a detection reagent to form a mixture;
- wherein the detection reagent is capable of being changed from a first state to a second state directly or indirectly by the biological activity;
- and
- after activating the biological indicator, analyzing the biological indicator to detect a presence or absence of the second state of the detection reagent in the mixture.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.