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Packaging systems for peracid sterilization processes

  • US 5,620,656 A
  • Filed: 12/04/1995
  • Issued: 04/15/1997
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/25/1993
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A device useful to indicate sterilization cycle exposure of an article when the sterilization cycle includes an acidic gas or vapor, comprising:

  • a package capable of sealingly enclosing an article, the package having at least a portion with sufficient permeability to admit a sterilizing gas or vapor into contact with the article when sealingly enclosed within the package, the package being substantially bacteria impermeable when sealed; and

    ,an indicator associated with the package and adapted to be visually observed therewith, the indicator including a pH sensitive dye and a pH adjusting agent, the indicator having a first color under ambient conditions and adapted to change color from the first color to a second color in response to acidic gas or vapor exposure, the pH adjusting agent effective to place the pH of the indicator to an acidic point about where color change from the first color to the second color begins to occur, wherein said indicator is adapted to substantially maintain the first color under ambient conditions in the absence of exposure to a sterilization cycle and to substantially maintain the second color after acidic gas or vapor exposure is terminated.

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