Importance

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Abstract

A disposable sensor card (74) includes a polymeric substrate (80), such as polyester, printed with a plurality of electrodes (78), and a reuse-prevention system (150) which includes a fuse link (152) and a cut link (154). A controller (70) tests the fuse link and cut link to see if they have been destroyed. If the controller determines that the two links are good, a sensor card support system (72), which includes a ram (130), clamps the sensor card over an opening in a manifold (138) so that the electrodes are in contact with a decontaminant solution, such as peracetic acid solution, passing through the manifold. The controller detects an electrical property of the electrodes and determines a concentration of the decontaminant therefrom. During the clamping process, a cutter (170) severs the cut link. A memory of the cut link is retained by the controller. If power to the controller is interrupted, the memory is lost and the controller detects that the cut link is broken when power is regained. At the end of a decontamination process, the controller switches to a 'power off' mode and detects that the cut link is severed. When the controller detects that the cut link is severed, the controller blows the fuse link and the sensor card support system unclamps the sensor card. The severed cut link provides a visual indication that the card is spent.

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First Claim