Abstract:
A washer/disinfector having a washing chamber dimensioned to receive articles to be washed. The washing chamber has a sump at the bottom thereof for collecting fluids used in the washing chamber. A fluid-heating system comprised of a steam generator is connected to a steam-to-fluid heat exchanger. The fluid-heating system has an exhaust port disposed in the washing chamber for exhausting residual steam from the heat exchanger into the washing chamber.
Abstract:
Reactive compositions are provided, having biocidal and chemical decontamination/neutralization properties, comprising a hygroscopic polymer and an active, which are useful in a variety of commercial, healthcare and military applications and a wide variety of contaminants, including without limitation chemical and biological warfare agents. The reactive compositions are renewable or rechargeable after use by exposure to an additional application of the active and do not require removal, disposal or replacement of the originally applied composition. Methods for preparing and applying the reactive compositions are disclosed.
Abstract:
A method of sterilizing articles, using a low-vapor-pressure sterilant in a compact sterilizer, including a pre-pulse injection of sterilant to condition a sterilization chamber.
Abstract:
A method for automatically varying the internal air pressure in at least one inflatable air bladder associated with at least one zone of a pressurized mattress system to achieve an optimal zone air pressure for a patient. The method includes a step of incrementally decreasing the zone air pressure of the at least one zone until more than a predetermined percentage or portion of the patient is directly supported by a substrate disposed below the at least one inflatable air bladder. The method then determines the appropriate increase in zone air pressure to achieve the optimal zone air pressure for the patient.
Abstract:
A system for decontaminating an enclosure that defines a region. The system includes a decontamination unit for generating a vaporized sterilant. The decontamination unit includes a housing that defines a chamber therein. An inlet and an outlet of the housing fluidly communicate with the chamber. A bulkhead assembly connects the decontamination unit to the enclosure. The bulkhead assembly includes a barrier assembly for sealing an opening of the enclosure. The membrane traverses the opening of the enclosure. A first port and a second port allow the carrier gas to flow through the membrane. A frame assembly seals the barrier assembly into the opening of the enclosure. An outlet conduit defines a flow path for conveying the carrier gas from the decontamination unit to the region of the enclosure. A return conduit defines a flow path for conveying the carrier gas from the enclosure to the decontamination unit.
Abstract:
A sterilizer for sterilizing medical instruments, the sterilizer having a pressurizable chamber having an opening communicating therewith. A door is provided for closing and sealing the opening to the chamber. A sterilant inlet and a sterilant outlet communicate with the chamber. A container holds medical instruments to be sterilized.The container is comprised of a tray and a lid dimensioned to rest on the tray. The tray and lid define an interior area for holding medical instruments. The tray has connection means for connecting the sterilant inlet to the interior area of the tray when the tray is inserted in the chamber, and the lid is movable from the tray when pressurized sterilant is introduced into the cavity.
Abstract:
This invention relates to a process and an aqueous composition for killing spores. The process comprises contacting the spores with the aqueous composition for a sufficient period of time to effect a desired reduction (e.g., at least a 4 log reduction) in the number of spores capable of reproduction, metabolism and/or growth. The aqueous composition comprises water, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide. The concentration of peracetic acid in the water may be in the range from about 0.001 to about 60% by weight, or from about 0.001 to about 0.5% by weight. The weight ratio of peracetic acid to hydrogen peroxide may be in the range from about 0.001 to about 0.5.
Abstract:
A non-aerosol, foaming high alcohol content hand sanitizer is provided which has excellent antimicrobial activity and tolerance for organic load and excellent residual activity, as well as enhanced moisturization and skin-feel properties over currently marketed alcohol-based sanitizers. The inventive composition achieves an unexpectedly large amount of quality, stable foam even in the presence of significant quantities of skin conditioning agents through the use of novel silicone surfactants and achieves enhanced and prolonged antimicrobial efficacy through the combination of high alcohol content and activity enhancing components.
Abstract:
A sterilization indicator system and method of using the system to determine efficacy of a sterilization process. The system includes a vial having a first compartment containing spores of one or more species of microorganism; a second compartment containing a growth medium with a disaccharide, an oligosaccharide or a polysaccharide in which the vial is free of monosaccharide; an enzyme, capable of acting upon the monosaccharide to yield reaction products and electron transfer, disposed on two or more electrodes adapted to carry an electrical signal resulting from the electron transfer, the pair of electrodes positioned to contact the combined contents of the first compartment and the second compartment during incubation; and an apparatus linked or linkable to the electrodes and adapted to detect and measure the electrical signal resulting from electron transfer when the enzyme acts upon the monosaccharide.
Abstract:
A sterilization indicator system and method of using the system to determine efficacy of a sterilization process. The system may include a vial having an optional first compartment and a second compartment comprising a growth medium comprising one or more of a disaccharide, an oligosaccharide or a polysaccharide capable of conversion to a monosaccharide by germinating spores of the one or more species of microorganism, the vial being free of the monosaccharide prior to use; a strip including two or more electrodes to oxidize the monosaccharide and to carry a resulting electrical signal, and an apparatus to detect and measure the electrical signal resulting from the oxidation. Spores of a suitable biological indicator may be disposed in the first compartment and/or on the strip.