Abstract: A device for testing the cleanliness of a cannula of a medical instrument can include a flexible guiding member having a first end, a second end, and an outer diameter, and a length extending from the first end to the second end, wherein the first end can be rounded and the length of the guiding member can be free of any cleaning element. The device can further include a sponge element containing a dried extractant configured to extract intracellular ATP and having an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the guiding member. The device can also include a coupling member located between the second end of the guiding member and the sponge element, wherein the coupling member can be heat bonded to the sponge element and configured to facilitate detachment of the guiding member from the sponge element.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a medical instrument using a cleaning device may include selecting a cleaning member for use with the cleaning device and attaching the cleaning member to the cleaning device. The method may also include submerging at least a portion of the cleaning device in a fluid actuating movement of the cleaning member. The method may further include contacting the cleaning member to the medical instrument.

Abstract: A composition for cleaning a medical instrument having a surface at least partially covered by a biofilm. The composition may include a first enzyme having a weight of less than about 10% of the total weight of the composition, a second enzyme having a weight of less than about 10% of the total weight of the composition, and a surfactant having a weight less than about 10% of the total weight of the composition. The second enzyme may be different from the first enzyme. Additionally, the composition may have a pH ranging from about 4 to about 12, and the composition may be configured to remove greater than about 90% of the biofilm from the medical instrument in less than about 10 minutes.

Abstract: A method for making a device for cleaning the cannula of a medical instrument and for cleaning a cannula with the device in which the distal end of an elongated support and guiding member, having proximal and distal ends, is secured in a cleaning element formed of a substantially reticulated hydrophobic polyurethane foam having a plurality of pores within its structure which define surfaces in the foam. The surfaces of the polyurethane foam are coated with a hydrophilic polyurethane coating and a liquid enzymatic cleaning solution is absorbed in the coating and then dried. When used to clean a cannula the cleaning element is immersed in water to wet the enzymatic cleaner inserted into the cannula and manipulated from the proximal end of the elongated support.

Abstract: A device for cleaning the cannula of a medical instrument includes an elongated support and guiding member which has proximal and distal ends. A cleaning element secured to the distal end is formed of a substantially reticulated hydrophobic polyurethane foam having a plurality of pores within its structure which define surfaces in the foam. The surfaces of the polyurethane foam are coated with a hydrophilic polyurethane coating and an enzymatic cleaning solution is absorbed in the coating.

Abstract: A device for cleaning the cannula of a medical instrument includes an elongated support and guiding member which has proximal and distal ends. A cleaning element secured to the distal end is formed of a substantially reticulated hydrophobic polyurethane foam having a plurality of pores within its structure which define surfaces in the foam. The surfaces of the polyurethane foam are coated with a hydrophilic polyurethane coating and an enzymatic cleaning solution is absorbed in the coating.

Abstract: A method of visualizing biological material on medical instruments is disclosed which consists of the steps of selecting a dye material capable of creating fluorescence or phosphorescence when applied to biological material and subjected to ultraviolet light; applying the dye to a medical instrument; mounting the medical instrument in a viewing box; exposing the medical instrument in the viewing box to ultraviolet light and observing the instrument through an opening in the view box to determine if the dye has caused fluorescence or phosphorescence of material on the instrument indicative of the presence of biological material thereon.