Patent ID: 6548248
Filing Date: 2003-04-15
Classification: C12Q,G01N

Abstract:
A method of determining the effectiveness of a sterilization cycle, which includes application of heat and steam in a sterilization chamber, said method comprising:placing a sterilization indicator in said sterilization chamber prior to beginning said sterilization cycle, said sterilization indicator including a DNA preparation containing from 0.25 to 1.0 &mgr;g of DNA per &mgr;l of water, said DNA being adapted to fragment on being subjected to said sterilization cycle to form fragmented DNA, carrying out said sterilization cycle whereby at least some of said initial DNA is converted into said fragmented DNA, withdrawing said fragmented DNA from said chamber, contacting said fragmented DNA with a dye capable of being bound to said DNA only before fragmentation, dipping said fragmented DNA containing said dye into wash water, and thereafter observing said fragmented DNA.