Sterilization indicators and methods
First Claim
1. A sterilization indicator, comprising:
- two backing strips, each of said backing strips having ends and opposing sides and a moisture-resistant, water-dispersible, pressure sensitive adhesive on at least one of said opposing sides; and
a sterilization indicator strip affixed to an end of each of said backing strips such that said sterilization indicator strip is easily removable from the backing strips prior to laundering and said sterilization indicator strip comprises an indicator ink in combination with a backing, wherein said indicator ink is capable of undergoing a color change when exposed to sterilization conditions.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Sterilization indicators utilizing moisture-resistant, water-dispersible, pressure sensitive adhesives are provided. The sterilization indicators comprise at least one backing strip, preferably water-dispersible, which is coated on at least one side with the moisture-resistant, water-dispersible, pressure sensitive adhesive. A sterilization indicator strip is affixed to the backing strip and is easily removable from the sterilization indicator. The indicator tapes are useful to maintain a sterilization wrapper containing articles to be sterilized in a closed position during sterilization, and normal pre- and post-sterilization handling, while also providing a means to indicate if the wrapped articles have passed through a sterilization cycle. After use, the sterilization indicator strip is easily removed, and the adhesives coating the sterilization indicators, and preferably also the backing strips, disperse an aqueous alkali solution, such as are found in commercial laundries. Methods of making and using the sterilization indicators are also provided.
45 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A sterilization indicator, comprising:
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two backing strips, each of said backing strips having ends and opposing sides and a moisture-resistant, water-dispersible, pressure sensitive adhesive on at least one of said opposing sides; and a sterilization indicator strip affixed to an end of each of said backing strips such that said sterilization indicator strip is easily removable from the backing strips prior to laundering and said sterilization indicator strip comprises an indicator ink in combination with a backing, wherein said indicator ink is capable of undergoing a color change when exposed to sterilization conditions. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A sterilization indicator, comprising:
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a backing strip having ends and opposing sides and a moisture-resistant, water-dispersible, pressure sensitive adhesive on at least one of said opposing sides; and a sterilization indicator strip affixed to an end of said backing strip such that said sterilization indicator strip is easily removable from said backing strip prior to laundering and said sterilization indicator strip comprises an indicator ink in combination with a backing, wherein said indicator ink is capable of undergoing a color change when exposed to sterilization conditions.
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14. A sterilization indicator comprising:
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a backing strip having ends and opposing sides and a moisture-resistant, water-dispersible, pressure sensitive adhesive on at least one of said opposing sides, a first portion of the backing strip having one or more apertures; and a sterilization indicator strip affixed to the first portion of the backing strip such that said sterilization indicator strip is viewable through said one or more apertures and said sterilization indicator strip comprises an indicator ink in combination with a backing, wherein said indicator ink is capable of undergoing a color change when exposed to sterilization conditions, and wherein the first portion of the backing strip is easily removable, prior to laundering, from a portion of the backing strip not affixed to the sterilization indicator strip.
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Specification