Sterilization indicator test packs
First Claim
1. A sterilization test pack, comprising:
- (a) a tray for holding a sterilization indicator, said tray comprising an elevated rim surface defining the perimeter of the tray and a recessed trough for receiving a sterilization indicator, said rim surface including a groove of a defined length and cross-sectional area extending through the rim to the recessed trough;
(b) a sterilization indicator within the recessed trough of the tray, for testing the effectiveness of a sterilization procedure; and
(c) a lid associated with the rim surface of the tray, said lid forming a substantially sterilant-impermeable seal with the rim surface, and said lid forming a channel with the groove in the tray, such that sterilant may enter the tray through the channel and contact the sterilization indicator.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
Sterilization indicator test packs for testing the effectiveness of a sterilization procedure are provided. Both non-challenge and challenge-type test packs are disclosed. The non-challenge test packs include generally comprise a tray for holding a sterilization indicator the tray containing an elevated rim surface defining the perimeter of the tray and a recessed trough for receiving a sterilization indicator. The rim surface includes a plurality of spaced-apart grooves along its length extending through the rim to the recessed trough; a sterilization indicator within the recessed trough of the tray; and a lid that forms a plurality of channels with the grooves in the tray such that sterilant can enter the tray through the channels and contact the sterilization indicator.
The challenge-type test packs generally include a tray for holding a sterilization indicator, the tray comprising a substantially planar surface, a recessed trough for receiving a sterilization indicator, and a recessed groove of a defined length and cross-sectional area extending through the recessed trough and penetrating the edge of the tray; a sterilization indicator within the recessed trough of the tray; and a lid forming a substantially sterilant-impermeable seal with the planar surface of the tray and forming a lumen path with the recessed groove in the tray.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. A sterilization test pack, comprising:
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(a) a tray for holding a sterilization indicator, said tray comprising an elevated rim surface defining the perimeter of the tray and a recessed trough for receiving a sterilization indicator, said rim surface including a groove of a defined length and cross-sectional area extending through the rim to the recessed trough; (b) a sterilization indicator within the recessed trough of the tray, for testing the effectiveness of a sterilization procedure; and (c) a lid associated with the rim surface of the tray, said lid forming a substantially sterilant-impermeable seal with the rim surface, and said lid forming a channel with the groove in the tray, such that sterilant may enter the tray through the channel and contact the sterilization indicator. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A sterilization test pack, comprising:
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(a) a first chamber; (b) an enzymatic indicator within the first chamber; (c) a lumen in fluid communication with the chamber and the enzymatic indicator within the chamber, the lumen comprising a hollow tube of predetermined length and cross-sectional area; (d) a second chamber and an indicator reagent mixture, the second chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber so that the indicator reagent mixture may be brought into contact with the enzymatic indicator after a sterilization cycle is complete.
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23. A sterilization test pack, comprising:
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(a) a tray for holding a sterilization indicator, said tray comprising a recessed trough for receiving a sterilization indicator; (b) a sterilization indicator within the recessed trough of the tray, for testing the effectiveness of a sterilization procedure; (c) a lid associated with the rim surface of the tray covering the recessed trough and the sterilization indicator, said lid comprising a material that is penetrable by a sterilant, such that sterilant may enter the recessed trough through the lid; and (d) A sterilant barrier within the recessed trough.
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Specification