Sterilization indicators and methods
First Claim
1. A method of making a sterilization indicator, comprising:
- providing at least one backing strip having ends and opposing sides;
providing a sterilization indicator strip comprising an indicator ink in combination with a binder printed onto a backing;
coating a moisture resistant, water-dispersible, pressure sensitive adhesive on one of the opposing sides of the at least one backing strip; and
affixing the sterilization indicator strip to an end of the at least one backing strip, wherein the sterilization indicator strip is easily removable from the at least one backing strip prior to laundering and wherein the indicator ink is capable of undergoing a color change when exposed to sterilization conditions.
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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.
89 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A method of making a sterilization indicator, comprising:
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providing at least one backing strip having ends and opposing sides; providing a sterilization indicator strip comprising an indicator ink in combination with a binder printed onto a backing; coating a moisture resistant, water-dispersible, pressure sensitive adhesive on one of the opposing sides of the at least one backing strip; and affixing the sterilization indicator strip to an end of the at least one backing strip, wherein the sterilization indicator strip is easily removable from the at least one backing strip prior to laundering and wherein the indicator ink is capable of undergoing a color change when exposed to sterilization conditions. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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4. A method of using a sterilization indicator as a wrapper closure, comprising:
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providing an indicator comprising at least one backing strip having ends, opposing sides, and a moisture resistant, water-dispersible, pressure sensitive adhesive coated on one of the opposing sides, the at least one backing strip having a sterilization indicator strip affixed to an end thereof comprising an indicator ink in combination with a binder printed onto a backing, wherein the indicator ink is capable of undergoing a color change when exposed to sterilization conditions; and applying the indicator to a sterilization wrapper containing a bundle of articles such that the bundle will remain substantially closed during sterilization and normal pre- and post-sterilization handling. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6)
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7. A method of making a sterilization indicator, comprising:
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providing a backing strip having opposing sides and at least one aperture; providing a sterilization indicator strip, said sterilization indicator strip comprising an indicator ink in combination with a binder printed onto a backing;
coating a moisture resistant, water-dispersible, pressure sensitive adhesive on one of said opposing sides of said backing; and
affixing said sterilization indicator strip to said backing strip such that said sterilization indicator strip is viewable through said at least one aperture.
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18. A method of making a sterilization indicator, comprising:
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providing a backing strip having ends and opposing sides, a first portion of the backing strip having one or more apertures; providing a sterilization indicator strip comprising an indicator ink in combination with a binder printed onto a backing; coating a moisture resistant, water-dispersible, pressure sensitive adhesive on one of the opposing sides of the backing strip; and affixing the sterilization indicator strip to the first portion of the backing strip such that the sterilization indicator strip is viewable through the one or more apertures, wherein the sterilization indicator strip is easily removable from the backing strip prior to laundering and wherein the indicator ink is capable of undergoing a color change when exposed to sterilization conditions. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21)
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Specification