Abstract: A method of microbially deactivating items and storing the same, comprising the steps of: a) placing items within a cavity in a sealable container having fluid access ports therein, the fluid access ports having a normally closed position and being moveable to an open position; b) placing the container having items to be microbially deactivated in the cavity into a reprocessor having a circulation system for circulating a microbial deactivation fluid during a deactivation cycle, wherein the fluid access ports in the container are moved to the open position by actuating means on the reprocessor to be in fluid communication with the circulation systems; c) circulating the microbial deactivation fluid through the cavity of the container; and d) removing the container from the reprocessor following a deactivation cycle, wherein removal of the container from the reprocessor causes the fluid access ports to assume the normally closed position.

Abstract: A system for sterilizing or microbially deactivating instruments and devices. The system includes a circulation system for circulating a microbial deactivation fluid through a chamber for containing the instruments and devices. The chamber forms a portion of the circulation system. The system further includes a fluid over-flow/make-up air assembly. The fluid over-flow/make-up air assembly includes a manifold having an inner cavity that is in fluid communication with the circulation system, an overflow port in the manifold, and an overflow valve assembly disposed in the manifold allowing fluid flow from the cavity to the overflow port when a pressure in the cavity exceeds a pressure in the overflow port by a predetermined amount. A filter assembly is attached to the manifold. The filter assembly has a filter valve assembly in communication with the cavity.

Abstract: A reprocessor for microbially deactivating items. The reprocessor has a circulation system for circulating a microbial deactivation fluid through a deactivation chamber that forms part of the circulation system. A container is provided for insertion into the deactivation chamber for holding items to be microbially deactivated. The container includes a tray and a lid. The tray and lid have interlocking, integrally formed, rigid seal elements formed thereon to form a seal between the tray and the lid.