Abstract: A method for conditioning a flexible medical endoscope (10) having internal channels (12), so as to maintain disinfection of said endoscope (10) following processing to a state of high level disinfection, comprises the steps of: (a) connecting the internal channels (12) of the endoscope (10) to connectors (31-34) enabling fluid communication with a reservoir (24) of disinfectant fluid (25); (b) charging the internal channels (12) with disinfectant fluid (25) from the reservoir (24); (c) disconnecting the internal channels (12) from the connectors (31-34); (d) sealing the endoscope (10) in a pouch (56) having a substantially air-tight seal (57) and a valve (55) enabling connection to suction means (53); and (e) connecting and activating the suction means (53) so as substantially to reduce pressure within the pouch (56), thereby partially evacuating the pouch (56).

Abstract: A method for conditioning a flexible medical endoscope (10) having internal channels (12), so as to maintain disinfection of said endoscope (10) following processing to a state of high level disinfection, comprises the steps of: (a) connecting the internal channels (12) of the endoscope (10) to connectors (31-34) enabling fluid communication with a reservoir (24) of disinfectant fluid (25); (b) charging the internal channels (12) with disinfectant fluid (25) from the reservoir (24); (c) disconnecting the internal channels (12) from the connectors (31-34); (d) sealing the endoscope (10) in a pouch (56) having a substantially air-tight seal (57) and a valve (55) enabling connection to suction means (53); and (e) connecting and activating the suction means (53) so as substantially to reduce pressure within the pouch (56), thereby partially evacuating the pouch (56).

Abstract: A method for conditioning a flexible medical endoscope (10) having internal channels (12), so as to maintain disinfection of said endoscope (10) following processing to a state of high level disinfection, comprises the steps of: (a) connecting the internal channels (12) of the endoscope (10) to connectors (31-34) enabling fluid communication with a reservoir (24) of disinfectant fluid (25); (b) charging the internal channels (12) with disinfectant fluid (25) from the reservoir (24); (c) disconnecting the internal channels (12) from the connectors (31-34); (d) sealing the endoscope (10) in a pouch (56) having a substantially air-tight seal (57) and a valve (55) enabling connection to suction means (53); and (e) connecting and activating the suction means (53) so as substantially to reduce pressure within the pouch (56), thereby partially evacuating the pouch (56).

Abstract: A method for conditioning a flexible medical endoscope (10) having internal channels (12), so as to maintain disinfection of said endoscope (10) following processing to a state of high level disinfection, comprises the steps of: (a) connecting the internal channels (12) of the endoscope (10) to connectors (31-34) enabling fluid communication with a reservoir (24) of disinfectant fluid (25); (b) charging the internal channels (12) with disinfectant fluid (25) from the reservoir (24); (c) disconnecting the internal channels (12) from the connectors (31-34); (d) sealing the endoscope (10) in a pouch (56) having a substantially air-tight seal (57) and a valve (55) enabling connection to suction means (53); and (e) connecting and activating the suction means (53) so as substantially to reduce pressure within the pouch (56), thereby partially evacuating the pouch (56).

Abstract: A method for conditioning a flexible medical endoscope (10) having internal channels (12), so as to maintain disinfection of said endoscope (10) following processing to a state of high level disinfection, comprises the steps of: (a) connecting the internal channels (12) of the endoscope (10) to connectors (31-34) enabling fluid communication with a reservoir (24) of disinfectant fluid (25); (b) charging the internal channels (12) with disinfectant fluid (25) from the reservoir (24); (c) disconnecting the internal channels (12) from the connectors (31-34); (d) sealing the endoscope (10) in a pouch (56) having a substantially air-tight seal (57) and a valve (55) enabling connection to suction means (53); and (e) connecting and activating the suction means (53) so as substantially to reduce pressure within the pouch (56), thereby partially evacuating the pouch (56).

Abstract: A method is provided for maintaining the disinfection of medical equipment, in particular medical endoscopes (10), following processing. The method comprises placing the disinfected equipment (10) in a sealed chamber (12), and subsequently reducing the pressure within the sealed chamber (12) to cause evaporation of residual moisture. Gas scavenger sachets (21) are also provided within the sealed chamber (12) to remove atmospheric oxygen, thus causing a further reduction in the chamber pressure. The method may optionally include a further step of charging the sealed chamber (12) with a disinfectant gas or vapor. The processed medical equipment (10) is then maintained at the desired level of disinfection within the controlled biostatic environment in the sealed chamber (12).

Abstract: A kit for the storage and transportation of medical equipment (31) following processing or use thereof contains, as its principal component, a tray (10) defined by a base (12) and surrounding walls (13, 14). The tray (10) has at least one fold line (19) formed in the base and/or walls (13, 14), thereby to facilitate compaction of said tray (10) for disposal. Optional further components of the kit include: a tray line (28); a protective cover (34) adapted to be detachably secured to the tray (10); a lid (23) adapted to engage with the walls (13, 14) of the tray (10); and an oxygen-impermeable container (37) adapted to receive said tray (10) therewithin.

Abstract: A method for conditioning a flexible medical endoscope (10) having internal channels (12), so as to maintain disinfection of said endoscope (10) following processing to a state of high level disinfection, comprises the steps of: (a) connecting the internal channels (12) of the endoscope (10) to connectors (31-34) enabling fluid communication with a reservoir (24) of disinfectant fluid (25); (b) charging the internal channels (12) with disinfectant fluid (25) from the reservoir (24); (c) disconnecting the internal channels (12) from the connectors (31-34); (d) sealing the endoscope (10) in a pouch (56) having a substantially air-tight seal (57) and a valve (55) enabling connection to suction means (53); and (e) connecting and activating the suction means (53) so as substantially to reduce pressure within the pouch (56), thereby partially evacuating the pouch (56).

Abstract: A kit for the storage and transportation of medical equipment (31) following processing or use thereof comprises, as its principal component, a tray (10) defined by a base (12) and surrounding walls (13,14). The tray (10) has at least one fold-line (19) formed in the base and/or walls (13,14), thereby to facilitate compaction of said tray (10) for disposal. Optional further components of the kit include: a tray liner (28); a protective cover (34) adapted to be detachably secured to the tray (10); a lid (23) adapted to engage with the walls (13,14) of the tray (10); and an oxygen-impermeable container (37) adapted to receive said tray (10) therewithin.

Abstract: A method is provided for maintaining the disinfection of medical equipment, in particular medical endoscopes (10), following processing. The method comprises placing the disinfected equipment (10) in a sealed chamber (12), and subsequently reducing the pressure within the sealed chamber (12) to cause evaporation of residual moisture. Gas scavenger sachets (21) are also provided within the sealed chamber (12) to remove atmospheric oxygen, thus causing a further reduction in the chamber pressure. The method may optionally include a further step of charging the sealed chamber (12) with a disinfectant gas or vapour. The processed medical equipment (10) is then maintained at the desired level of disinfection within the controlled biostatic environment in the sealed chamber (12).