3m Innovative Properties Company

Heather M Webb

Sailaja Chandrapati

Jeffrey C Pederson

Kurt J Halverson

Jeffrey D Smith

Brian J Engel

Kevin D Landgrebe

Peter D Ludowise

Ruthann R Duda

Bryan S Behun

Susan K Reed

Michael G Williams

Francois Ahimou

Brian R Engel

A biological sterilization indicator device is provided. The device comprises a body, a plurality of test microorganisms, and an oxygen-modulated first fluorescent sensor. The body comprises a first layer attached to a second layer, forming at least one isolatable microchamber and at least one primary passageway that provides fluidic communication between ambience and the at least one microchamber. The microchamber has an isolated volume of about 0.5 microliters to about 9.5 microliters. The plurality of test microorganisms and the oxygen-modulated first fluorescent sensor are disposed in the microchamber. A method of using the device to determine the effectiveness of a sterilization process is also provided.

Biological sterilization indicator devices and methods of use

A biological sterilization indicator (BI). The BI can include a housing, and a container positioned in the housing. The container can contain a liquid and at least a portion of the container can be frangible. The BI can further include a first chamber and a second chamber. The second chamber can include at least one source of biological activity. The BI can further include a substrate positioned in the housing between the first chamber and the second chamber. The substrate can be positioned in fluid communication with the first chamber and the second chamber, and the substrate can be further positioned such that the substrate is not in direct contact with the source of biological activity.

Biological sterilization indicator

A biological sterilization indicator, system, and methods of determining the effectiveness of a sterilization process. The biological sterilization indicator can include a locus of spores, a reservoir containing a liquid, and a sterilant path positioned to provide fluid communication between ambience and the locus of spores. The reservoir can have a closed state in which the reservoir is not in fluid communication with the locus of spores and an open state in which the reservoir is in fluid communication with the locus of spores. The biological sterilization indicator system can include the biological sterilization indicator and a detection device adapted to be coupled to the biological sterilization indicator. In some embodiments, the method can include assaying the spores for a detectable change in a characteristic, and detecting substantially all of the detectable change.

Biological sterilization indicator, system, and methods of using same

A method of sterilizing an article is provided. The method includes providing sterilization wrap system with which to wrap the article to be sterilized. The sterilization wrap system comprises a plurality of wrap units configured in a stack, at least one wrap unit in the stack being detachably attached to at least one other wrap unit in the stack.

Sterilization wrap system and methods of use

The present invention provides method of detecting a predetermined biological activity. The method includes using an aqueous mixture comprising a first indicator reagent with a first absorption spectrum and a second indicator reagent. The second indicator reagent is converted by the predetermined biological activity to a second biological derivative with a second emission spectrum. The first absorbance spectrum includes detectable absorbance in at least a portion of wavelengths present in the second emission spectrum. The first indicator reagent is received and concentrated from an aqueous liquid by a substrate, facilitating the detection of the second biological derivative.

Method of detecting a biological activity

Method of determining efficacy of a sterilization process

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Woodbury, MN, United States of America

Heather M Webb