A chemical indicating composition. The composition can include an aqueous resin in a form of polymer emulsion or polymer dispersion, the aqueous resin comprising a first aqueous resin composition and a second aqueous resin composition; a film-forming agent; a color changing composition; and water as a solvent. The chemical indicating composition of this disclosure can be used in an autoclave process indicator.

A chemical indicating composition. The composition can include an aqueous resin in a form of polymer emulsion or polymer dispersion, the aqueous resin comprising a first aqueous resin composition and a second aqueous resin composition; a film-forming agent; a color changing composition; and water as a solvent. The chemical indicating composition of this disclosure can be used in an autoclave process indicator.

A method for rapidly determining effective sterilization, deimmunization, and/or disinfection of equipment and/or supplies by a device. The method includes providing a defined surrogate protein having a predetermined sequence representative of an infectious agent potentially contaminating the equipment and/or the supplies to be sterilized, deimmunized, and/or disinfected by the device. The defined surrogate protein having the predetermined sequence is subjected to sterilization, deimmunization, or disinfection. The effectiveness of the sterilization deimmunization, or disinfection is rapidly determined by determining if the defined surrogate protein has been destroyed.

A method for rapidly determining effective sterilization, deimmunization, and/or disinfection of equipment and/or supplies by a device. The method includes providing a defined surrogate protein having a predetermined sequence representative of an infectious agent potentially contaminating the equipment and/or the supplies to be sterilized, deimmunized, and/or disinfected by the device. The defined surrogate protein having the predetermined sequence is subjected to sterilization, deimmunization, or disinfection. The effectiveness of the sterilization deimmunization, or disinfection is rapidly determined by determining if the defined surrogate protein has been destroyed.

Methods and devices for monitoring the viability of a biofilm comprising Pseudomonas Aeruginosa bacteria are provided by detecting pyocyanin. The invention relates to electrochemical methods and devices that offer a simple and inexpensive alternative for immediate identification of bacterial infection due to the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In some embodiments, an inexpensive, disposable electrochemical sensor can be used to rapidly screen for the presence of P. aeruginosa in clinical wound effluent samples.

A biological indicator is provided for measuring the effectiveness of a sterilization procedure. The biological indicator comprises a carrier having a microorganism and at least one of a humectant, anti-agglomerating agent or surfactant disposed thereon, the carrier having a solidity of greater than 5%. Various embodiments of a device, kits and methods are disclosed.

A biological indicator is provided for measuring the effectiveness of a sterilization procedure. The biological indicator comprises a carrier having a microorganism and at least one of a humectant, anti-agglomerating agent or surfactant disposed thereon, the carrier having a solidity of greater than 5%. Various embodiments of a device, kits and methods are disclosed.

The invention provides a device for growing cells—referred to as a cassette. The cell culturing device includes a housing that contains a lid having an optically clear window; a fluid distribution channel; a sample injection port fluidically connected to the fluid distribution channel; a base housing a porous media pad; and a media injection port fluidically connected to the media pad. The lid mates to the base to form a sterile seal; the fluid distribution channel is disposed over the media pad, which is viewable through the optical window; and sample fluid introduced into the fluid distribution channel is distributed evenly to the media pad, e.g., via a plurality of channels. The invention also provides kits that include cassettes of the invention and a tube set.

The invention provides a device for growing cells—referred to as a cassette. The cell culturing device includes a housing that contains a lid having an optically clear window; a fluid distribution channel; a sample injection port fluidically connected to the fluid distribution channel; a base housing a porous media pad; and a media injection port fluidically connected to the media pad. The lid mates to the base to form a sterile seal; the fluid distribution channel is disposed over the media pad, which is viewable through the optical window; and sample fluid introduced into the fluid distribution channel is distributed evenly to the media pad, e.g., via a plurality of channels. The invention also provides kits that include cassettes of the invention and a tube set.

A self contained biological indicator is disclosed having a housing and an ampule disposed within the housing, the ampule having a first dome, a second dome and a sidewall. A cap may be coupled to the housing. The cap may include a projection that may be coupled to the ampule by, e.g., a friction fit. An insert may be disposed within the housing. The insert may include a well within which at least a portion of the bottom dome of the ampule may be disposed. The insert may also include a ramp that is angled relative to the central longitudinal axis of the ampule. The second dome of the ampule may contact the ramp. The insert may also include an arm or finger that extends above the well and has a stress concentrator disposed thereon such that it is also disposed above the second dome of the ampule and adjacent to the sidewall of the ampule. In use, the SCBI generates therein a first reaction force between the second dome of the ampule and the ram having a component directed transverse to a central longitudinal axis of the ampule. The component of the first reaction force causes a second reaction force between the sidewall of the ampule and the stress concentrator. The second reaction force breaks the ampule.