A drape according to the present invention is constructed of or includes
conductive and insulating drape segments and is disposed over a top
surface of a thermal treatment system having a basin recessed therein. A
portion of the drape is pushed down into, and conforms to, the basin to
form a drape container or receptacle within the basin for collecting a
sterile medium. The conductive segments provide a signal indicating the
presence of liquid and/or leaks within the drape container to the system
to facilitate control of system operation. In addition, a drape utilized
for a plural basin thermal treatment system may form a drape receptacle
within each basin. Each drape receptacle includes conductive and
insulating drape segments to detect the presence of liquid and/or a leak
within that drape receptacle. The conductive segments of the drape
receptacles provide signals to the system to facilitate control of system
operation.