Chemistry: molecular biology and microbiology – Measuring or testing process involving enzymes or... – Involving viable micro-organism
Patent
1996-10-24
1998-11-03
Leary, Louise N.
Chemistry: molecular biology and microbiology
Measuring or testing process involving enzymes or...
Involving viable micro-organism
435 14, 435 26, 435 29, 435287, 435807, 435810, 422 50, C12Q 122, C12Q 154, C12Q 132, C12Q 102
Patent
active
058306838
ABSTRACT:
This invention relates to novel apparatus and methods for inserting and positioning a compressible material into a container and for using the container for detecting a specific environmental parameter or combination of parameters, or for determining the effectiveness of a sterilization procedure. Precise positioning of a plug of compressible material in a container has been discovered to provide flexibility necessary for production of indicator systems that vary in their response to sterilizing conditions to reflect the efficacy of sterilizers based on different modes of sterilization and reproduceability necessary for accurate monitoring of each mode. The invention also relates to test indicators containing controlled volumes of compressed, gas-permeable materials and to methods for using test indicators for determining the efficacy of different types of sterilization processes. The test indicator consists of a plurality of interactive enzymes in a container with at least one opening. The opening is filled with a compressed cylindrical foam insert and the test indicator is placed into the sterilization chamber. The foam insert regulates the amount of sterilant such as steam, gas, chemicals or plasma entering the test indicator. After the sterilization cycle is complete, the foam insert is removed and the remaining components of the enzyme system are combined. If the proper sterilization conditions were not met, the interactive enzyme system remains active, and a color product forms upon the addition of the remaining components of the enzyme system. If the proper sterilization conditions were met, the sterilant destroys the interactive enzymes and no color product is formed. Inactivation of the enzyme system parallels the inactivation of bacterial spores subjected to the sterilization process. Results are available in from a few seconds to a few hours. The test indicator can also be placed into a container with material such that the designs simulates an environmental parameter test of the sterilization process.
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Gorski Joel R.
Hendricks Judy K.
Rechsteiner Shaundrea L.
Leary Louise N.
North American Science Associates Inc.
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