Abstract: A method of sterilizing an article by sequentially exposing the article to hydrogen peroxide and ozone is disclosed. The article is exposed under vacuum first to an evaporated aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide and subsequently to an ozone containing gas. The exposure is carried out without reducing the water vapor content of the sterilization atmosphere, the water vapor content being derived from the aqueous solvent of the hydrogen peroxide solution and from the decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. The complete sterilization process is carried out while the chamber remains sealed and without removal of any component of the sterilization atmosphere. For this purpose, the chamber is initially evacuated to a first vacuum pressure sufficient to cause evaporation of the aqueous hydrogen peroxide at the temperature of the chamber atmosphere. The chamber is then sealed for the remainder of the sterilization process and during all sterilant injection cycles.

Abstract: A method for increasing a relative humidity in an enclosed space (10) comprising a plurality of graduated steps. The relative humidity is increased from a first relative humidity to a target relative humidity. The method is issued to humidify a chamber (10) wherein a sterilization process using a humidified ozone takes place. The method is carried out by an apparatus for effecting the humidified ozone sterilization comprising a processor programmed to effect humidification in a plurality of gradual steps.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for sterilizing articles using an ozone-containing gas, where condensation of water from the sterilization atmosphere during the sterilization process is substantially prevented. The inventive sterilization method includes providing a sterilization chamber and placing an article into the sterilization chamber. The sterilization chamber is sealed prior to equalizing the temperature of the article and the atmosphere in the sterilization chamber. A vacuum is applied to achieve a preselected vacuum pressure in the sterilization chamber. Once the vacuum pressure is set, water vapour is supplied to the sterilization chamber. Ozone-containing gas is then supplied to the sterilization chamber and the sterilization chamber remains sealed for a preselected treatment period, where the sterilization chamber remains sealed throughout the whole process. Finally, vacuum in the sterilization chamber is released.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improvement in a method for sterilizing an article in a sterilizing chamber by exposing the article to humidified ozone in at least two consecutive sterilizing cycles, the improvement comprising, after the first of said consecutive sterilizing cycles and before the second of said consecutive sterilizing cycles, removing from the sterilizing chamber any condensed water present.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for sterilizing articles using an ozone-containing gas, where condensation of water from the sterilization atmosphere during the sterilization process is substantially prevented. The inventive sterilization method includes providing a sterilization chamber and placing an article into the sterilization chamber. The sterilization chamber is sealed prior to equalizing the temperature of the article and the atmosphere in the sterilization chamber. A vacuum is applied to achieve a preselected vacuum pressure in the sterilization chamber. Once the vacuum pressure is set, water vapour is supplied to the sterilization chamber. Ozone-containing gas is then supplied to the sterilization chamber and the sterilization chamber remains sealed for a preselected treatment period, where the sterilization chamber remains sealed throughout the whole process. Finally, vacuum in the sterilization chamber is released.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improvement in a method for sterilizing an article in a sterilizing chamber by exposing the article to humidified ozone in at least two consecutive sterilizing cycles, the improvement comprising, after the first of said consecutive sterilizing cycles and before the second of said consecutive sterilizing cycles, removing from the sterilizing chamber any condensed water present.

Abstract: A method for increasing a relative humidity in an enclosed space (10) comprising a plurality of graduated steps. The relative humidity is increased from a first relative humidity to a target relative humidity. The method is issued to humidify a chamber (10) wherein a sterilization process using a humidified ozone takes place. The method is carried out by an apparatus for effecting the humidified ozone sterilization comprising a processor programmed to effect humidification in a plurality of gradual steps.

Abstract: The sterilization method disclosed includes the steps of providing a sterilization chamber; placing the article into the sterilization chamber; equalizing the temperature of the article and the sterilization atmosphere; sealing the sterilization chamber; applying a vacuum of a preselected vacuum pressure to the sterilization chamber; supplying water vapour to the sterilization chamber under vacuum; supplying ozone-containing gas to the sterilization chamber; maintaining the sterilization chamber sealed for a preselected treatment period; and releasing the vacuum in the sterilization chamber; whereby a vacuum pressure is used which lowers the boiling temperature of water in the sterilization chamber below the temperature in the sterilization chamber. One or more ventilating cycles can be added to the preferred method for removing the remaining ozone and humidity from the sterilization chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of monitoring a sterilization process having an oxidation-type sterilant, said process comprising the steps of: providing an indicator compound capable of exhibiting a color change upon exposure to the sterilant, the indicator compound being free of heterocyclic nitrogen, diazo nitrogen and amino nitrogen, and selected from the group consisting of anthraquinone dyes, triarylmethane dyes and xanthene dyes; exposing the indicator compound to the sterilization process; and observing the compound for a change of colour. The invention also relates to an indicator for an ozone sterilization process. A preferred indicator compound is rosolic acid.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing a hollow endoscope having a conduit is disclosed. An end of the endoscope conduit is connected to a sealed vessel such that the endoscope conduit is in fluid communication with the sealed vessel. The endoscope is placed in a sterilization chamber and the chamber sealed. The sterilization chamber is run through sterilization cycles in which the pressure within the chamber is varied. During the pressure variation within the sterilizing chamber, sterilizing gas is drawn from the sterilizing chamber via the endoscope conduit into the vessel. During the pressure variation the inner surface of the endoscope is subjected to sterilizing conditions in addition to the outer surface of the endoscope. In a preferred embodiment the sterilizing conditions are provided for by ozone gas in the presence of a humid atmosphere of at least 95% water saturation. The sterilization process is operatively simple and reduces the chance of human errors caused by false interpretation and handling.