Electronic system for tracking and monitoring articles to be sterilized and associated method

Abstract

An electronic system for tracking and monitoring articles to be subjected to a sterilization cycle is disclosed. The method uses a sterilization indicator and electronically links sterilization information with the articles subjected to the sterilization process. The indicator allows a sterilization cycle to be monitored without the need for a user to subjectively distinguish between color, quality or intensity of display patterns.

1 . A system for creating a chemical indicator for monitoring a sterilization process, the system comprising: 
 a graphical user interface for exchanging information between a user and computer means;    computer means comprising:    storage means for storing information relating to at least two types of sterilization procedures, at least two different types of sterilization sensitive indicating inks corresponding to the sterilization procedures, and at least one pattern for printing the inks;    the graphical user interface including means for selecting from information stored in the storage means; and    printing means for printing the chemical indicator on a backing.    
     
     
         2 . A system according to  claim 1  wherein the printing means comprises an ink jet printer with an ink jet cartridge having an ink jet printable, sterilization sensitive indicating ink.  
     
     
         3 . A system according to  claim 1  wherein the chemical indicator includes a backing and the system further including backing correlating means for correlating a particular type of backing with a predetermined, compatible sterilization procedure.  
     
     
         4 . A system according to  claim 1  further including ink correlating means for correlating a predetermined sterilization sensitive indicating ink to a predetermined sterilization procedure and identifying inks appropriate for said predetermined sterilization procedure and means for preventing the printing means from printing an ink that is inappropriate for the predetermined sterilization procedure.  
     
     
         5 . A system for creating a chemical indicator for monitoring a sterilization process at a location close to its actual use, the system comprising: 
 a graphical user interface for exchanging information between a user and computer means;    computer means comprising:    storage means for storing information relating to at least two types of patterns for printing a sterilization sensitive indicator ink;    the graphical user interface including means for selecting from information stored in the storage means; and    printing means for printing the chemical indicator on a backing.    
     
     
         6 . A method of providing a sterility assurance process at a healthcare facility comprising the steps of: 
 providing options for the components of a sterilization indicator;    choosing from among the options; and    then printing the sterilization indicator at the healthcare facility.    
     
     
         7 . A method according to  claim 6  further including the step of using the sterilization indicator to monitor a sterilization process.  
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 7  further including the step of reading the sterilization indicator with a reading device.  
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 6  wherein the step of providing options for the components of the sterilization indicator includes the step of providing the option of including a bar code in the sterilization indicator that includes, at least in part, a sterilization process sensitive ink.  
     
     
         10 . A system for use in a sterility assurance process comprising: 
 a computer having processing and storage means for allowing the user to choose between a plurality of options for the components of a sterilization indicator; and    printing means for printing the sterilization indicator at the healthcare facility.    
     
     
         11 . A system according to  claim 10  wherein the printing means is an ink jet printer.  
     
     
         12 . A system according to  claim 10  wherein the sterilization indicator is a chemical indicator.  
     
     
         13 . A system according to  claim 10  wherein the sterilization indicator is label with a chemical indicator.  
     
     
         14 . A system according to  claim 10  wherein the ink jet printer includes at least two different types of sterilization process sensitive inks.