SELF-DISINFECTING SENSOR AND METHOD OF OPERATION

A life-form sensor and a method of detecting a life-form and disinfecting the sensor is provided. The sensor includes a matrix member made from a composite material having needle-like particles, electrically conductive platelets and a spacer material. A pair of electrodes are electrically coupled to opposing ends of the matrix. A heating device is arranged in thermal communication with the matrix member. A controller is operably coupled to the sensing device, the heating device, and the electrode, the controller being configured to receive a signal from the pair of electrodes and to polarize the matrix member and activate the heating device to a predetermined temperature range in response to placing a sample in the specimen container to simultaneously detect the presence of a target life-form and to disinfect the matrix member.