Sterilization monitors and method of use
First Claim
1. A method of monitoring a sterilization process including the use of a liquid peracid sterilant, comprisingexposing a monitor composition including a colorant susceptible to halogenation and a halogen source to a liquid peracid during a sterilization process, wherein the liquid peracid contacts the halogen source to produce halogen which halogenates the colorant to cause a color change in the composition, wherein said sterilization process is monitored by detecting the distinct color change in the composition.
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Abstract
A sterilization monitor includes a substrate and an monitor composition. The monitor composition contains a colorant and a halogen source and undergoes a distinct color change when exposed to a peracid. The sterilization monitor can be used to monitor a sterilization process involving a peracid. A sterilization monitoring device, including a sterilization monitor enclosed in a housing having a vapor permeable barrier, can also be used to monitor a sterilization process.
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Citations
29 Claims
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1. A method of monitoring a sterilization process including the use of a liquid peracid sterilant, comprising
exposing a monitor composition including a colorant susceptible to halogenation and a halogen source to a liquid peracid during a sterilization process, wherein the liquid peracid contacts the halogen source to produce halogen which halogenates the colorant to cause a color change in the composition, wherein said sterilization process is monitored by detecting the distinct color change in the composition.
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17. A method of monitoring a sterilization process that uses a liquid peracid sterilant, comprising
contacting a sterilization monitoring device with a liquid peracid from a sterilization solution during the sterilization process, and sterilization monitoring device including a vapor barrier wherein peracid vapor from the liquid sterilant penetrates the vapor barrier and contacts a monitor composition in the sterilization monitoring device, wherein the monitor composition includes a colorant susceptible to halogenation and a halogen source, and the peracid contacts the halogen source to produce halogen which halogenates the colorant to cause a distinct color change in the composition, and wherein the sterilization process is monitored by detecting the distinct color change in the composition.
- 22. A sterilization monitoring device comprising a housing including a vapor permeable barrier and a monitor composition enclosed within the housing, the monitor composition including a halogen source and a colorant susceptible to halogenation in the presence of a peracid, wherein the peracid contacts the halogen source to produce halogen which halogenates the colorant to cause a color change in the composition.
Specification