Abstract: The present invention relates to a puncture resistant sealable vapour barrier sterilisation bag capable of withstanding a steam sterilisation process whilst providing an effective microbiological barrier having a first sealable opening suitable for receiving items to be sterilised and a second sealable opening adapted to couple to a sterilisation conduit. A third sealable opening may be provided in the bag to facilitate circulation within the bag via the second and third openings when the first opening is sealed. The bag forms the means for sterilising an article(s) solely within the plastic bag in conjunction with a sterilisation services supply device. The bag is preferably formed of plastics. Preferably a multilayer construction including a puncture resistant outer layer and a heat-sealable inner layer. The bag may include a covert marking technology and/or a readable unique identification code such as a tamper-resistant label applied to the bag to facilitate uniformity and traceability.

Abstract: Disclosed is a steam sterilizer, and a single use/disposable container for use in the sterilizer and a sterilization method. The container is a rigid or semi-rigid container having a sealable elongate conduit through which steam sterilant may be introduced into the container and steam sterilant and condensate may be removed from the container. Once one or more items to be sterilized are placed in the container a cover is sealed over the mouth of the container. The steam sterilizer has a sterilization chamber adapted to receive the container and provide sterilant within and around the container. Sterilant is provided to the container via the conduit which is sealed at the end of the sterilization process.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing items by placing items to be sterilized into a puncture resistant sealable vapor barrier sterilization bag, performing steam sterilization under pressure via a conduit coupled to the bag while maintaining a heated compensating pressure environment around the exterior of the bag during steam sterilization so as to reduce mechanical stress on the bag and sealing the bag at the completion of sterilization. There is also provided a sterilization services apparatus for sterilizing the contents of a sterilization bag including a pressure compensating compartment having a sealable door that maintains a heated compensating pressure environment around the exterior of a sterilization bag during steam sterilization so as to reduce mechanical stress on the bag.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterilization in which items to be sterilized are placed in an impervious sealable package and the sterilization process is carried out within the package. The apparatus (10) includes a cabinet (18) in which a package (P) preferably with a carrier (11) located within, can be positioned. A snorkel (17) is inserted into the package (P) and via connector (23) vacuum, pressure and sterilant can be applied to the interior of the package (P). A sealing arrangement (14b, 22b) can seal the package closed after the sterilization process has been completed.