Method of determining efficacy of a sterilization process
The present invention provides method of detecting a predetermined biological activity. The method includes using an aqueous mixture comprising a first indicator reagent with a first absorption spectrum and a second indicator reagent. The second indicator reagent is converted by the predetermined biological activity to a second biological derivative with a second emission spectrum. The first absorbance spectrum includes detectable absorbance in at least a portion of wavelengths present in the second emission spectrum. The first indicator reagent is received and concentrated from an aqueous liquid by a substrate, facilitating the detection of the second biological derivative.
1. A method of determining the efficacy of a sterilization process, comprising:
providing a biological sterilization indicator comprising;
a housing;
a container containing an aqueous liquid;
a source of predetermined enzyme activity that is inactivated by a sterilant;
a first indicator reagent with a first absorbance spectrum;
a second indicator reagent that is converted by the source of predetermined enzyme activity to a biological derivative with a second fluorescence emission spectrum;
wherein the first absorbance spectrum includes detectable absorbance in at least a portion of wavelengths of the second fluorescence emission spectrum;
a substrate that receives and concentrates the first indicator reagent from the aqueous liquid;
providing an instrument that detects the biological derivative, wherein the instrument comprises an optical path;
exposing the predetermined enzyme activity to the sterilant;
bringing the predetermined enzyme activity, the first indicator reagent, the second indicator reagent, and the substrate into fluid communication with the aqueous liquid; and
detecting a quantity of fluorescene from the biological derivative in the aqueous liquid;
wherein detecting the quantity of fluorescence from the biological derivative comprises using the instrument;
wherein detecting the quantity of fluorescence comprises positioning the housing in the optical path passes through the aqueous liquid but does not intersect the substrate;
wherein the quantity of fluorescence is an indication of the efficacy of the sterilization process.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising detecting a color associated with the substrate, wherein the color is associated with a biological derivative of the first indicator reagent, wherein the color is an indication of the efficacy of the sterilization process.