Wash monitor and method of use

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a monitoring device comprising a test composition, a test element comprising a test portion to which the test composition is releasably adhered, a detection reagent, and a container comprising a first end with an opening and a second end opposite the first end. The test composition comprises a predetermined quantity of tracer analyte. The container is configured to receive the test portion and configured to be operationally coupled to an analytical instrument. The tracer analyte and the detection reagent each are capable of participating in one or more chemical reaction that results in the formation of a detectable product. A method of using the monitoring device to assess the efficacy of a washing process is also provided.

1 . A monitoring device, comprising:
 a test composition comprising a predetermined quantity of tracer analyte;   a test element comprising a test portion to which the test composition is releasably adhered;   a container comprising a first end with an opening and a second end opposite the first end; and   a detection reagent disposed in the container;   wherein the container is configured to receive the test portion and configured to be operationally coupled to an analytical instrument;   wherein the tracer analyte and the detection reagent are capable of participating in one or more chemical reaction that results in the formation of a detectable product.   
     
     
         2 . The monitoring device of  claim 1 , wherein the test portion comprises at least one recessed area, wherein the test composition is adhered in the recessed area. 
     
     
         3 . The monitoring device of  claim 1 , wherein the test composition further comprises a polymeric binder. 
     
     
         4 . The monitoring device of  claim 1 , wherein the tracer analyte is selected from the group consisting of a plurality of viable microorganisms or a biomolecule associated therewith, an acid, a base, a nucleotide, a protein, a nucleic acid, a carbohydrate, or hemoglobin. 
     
     
         5 . The monitoring device of  claim 4 , wherein the test portion comprises a porous fibrous nonwoven matrix, wherein the plurality of viable microorganisms is disposed on or in the fibrous nonwoven matrix. 
     
     
         6 . The monitoring device of  claim 1 , further comprising a frangible seal, wherein a receiving chamber is disposed on a first side of the frangible seal proximate the opening and a cuvette chamber is disposed on a second side of the frangible seal distal the opening. 
     
     
         7 . The monitoring device of  claim 1 , wherein the container includes a first solvent disposed therein. 
     
     
         8 . The monitoring device of  claim 1 , wherein the test element further comprises a reservoir with a second solvent disposed therein, a hollow stem, and a liquid flow regulator capable of placing the reservoir in fluid communication with the hollow stem. 
     
     
         9 . The monitoring device of  claim 8 , wherein the detection reagent is disposed on the test element or in the reservoir. 
     
     
         10 . The monitoring device of  claim 1 , wherein the container comprises a cuvette portion configured to be operationally coupled with the analytical instrument. 
     
     
         11 . The monitoring device of  claim 1 , further comprising a secural element. 
     
     
         12 . The monitoring device of  claim 1 , wherein the test portion comprises a material that is molded to form one or more cavity.