Abstract: Devices and methods for sterilizing lumens involve a booster that is attached to the lumen. In preferred embodiments, the contact area between the lumen and the booster enhances the penetration of an antimicrobial agent to the contact area.

Abstract: Devices and methods for sterilizing lumens involve a booster that is attached to the lumen. In preferred embodiments, the contact area between the lumen and the booster enhances the penetration of an antimicrobial agent to the contact area.

Abstract: Devices and methods for sterilizing lumens involve a booster that is attached to the lumen. In preferred embodiments, the contact area between the lumen and the booster enhances the penetration of an antimicrobial agent to the contact area.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining exposure to an oxidative sterilant is described. The apparatus includes a chemical indicator for indicating exposure to the oxidative sterilant and a biological indicator for determining the effectiveness of the exposure to the oxidative sterilant. The chemical indicator has a metallic surface with a non-pH sensitive permanent indicator on the surface for indicating exposure to the oxidative sterilant. The chemical indicator may be on a self-contained biological indicator. The biological indicator and chemical indicator may be inside a test pack, where the test pack restricts sterilant flow to the indicators.

Abstract: Devices and methods for sterilizing lumens involve a booster that is attached to the lumen. In preferred embodiments, the contact area between the lumen and the booster enhances the penetration of an antimicrobial agent to the contact area.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for preventing reversion of the color of an indicator dye in a biological indicator is disclosed. The indicator dye changes color if viable microorganisms are present after sterilization, because acidic byproducts are formed when the microorganisms metabolize the growth medium. It has been found that the dye can change color back to the original color after the completion of the sterilization due to leaching or diffusion of basic impurities into the growth medium. The method and the apparatus employ a dual buffer system with one buffer which operates at high pH to moderate pH fluctuations at the start of the sterilization and a second buffer which operates at low pH to minimize pH fluctuations after the sterilization is complete. Less high pH buffer than low pH buffer is used in order to maximize the speed and sensitivity of the biological indicator.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for preventing reversion of the color of an indicator dye in a biological indicator is disclosed. The indicator dye changes color if viable microorganisms are present after sterilization, because acidic byproducts are formed when the microorganisms metabolize the growth medium. It has been found that the dye can change color back to the original color after the completion of the sterilization due to leaching or diffusion of basic impurities into the growth medium. The method and the apparatus employ a dual buffer system with one buffer which operates at high pH to moderate pH fluctuations at the start of the sterilization and a second buffer which operates at low pH to minimize pH fluctuations after the sterilization is complete. Less high pH buffer than low pH buffer is used in order to maximize the speed and sensitivity of the biological indicator.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for preventing reversion of the color of an indicator dye in a biological indicator is disclosed. The indicator dye changes color if viable microorganisms are present after sterilization, because acidic byproducts are formed when the microorganisms metabolize the growth medium. It has been found that the dye can change color back to the original color after the completion of the sterilization due to leaching or diffusion of basic impurities into the growth medium. The method and the apparatus employ a dual buffer system with one buffer which operates at high pH to moderate pH fluctuations at the start of the sterilization and a second buffer which operates at low pH to minimize pH fluctuations after the sterilization is complete. Less high pH buffer than low pH buffer is used in order to maximize the speed and sensitivity of the biological indicator.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing the interior of the lumen, where a dry booster which does not contain liquid and which has a volume at least 2 times the volume of the lumen is attached to the end of the lumen. The lumen and dry booster are placed in a sterilization chamber, and germicide is introduced into the chamber. A higher pressure is created outside the booster than inside the booster. The empty dry booster draws germicide into the lumen, sterilizing the interior of the lumen. The method can be enhanced by reducing the pressure in the chamber before introducing the germicide.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for preventing reversion of the color of an indicator dye in a biological indicator is disclosed. The indicator dye changes color if viable microorganisms are present after sterilization, because acidic byproducts are formed when the microorganisms metabolize the growth medium. It has been found that the dye can change color back to the original color after the completion of the sterilization due to leaching or diffusion of basic impurities into the growth medium. The method and the apparatus employ a dual buffer system with one buffer which operates at high pH to moderate pH fluctuations at the start of the sterilization and a second buffer which operates at low pH to minimize pH fluctuations after the sterilization is complete. Less high pH buffer than low pH buffer is used in order to maximize the speed and sensitivity of the biological indicator.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining exposure to an oxidative sterilant is described. The apparatus includes a chemical indicator for indicating exposure to the oxidative sterilant and a biological indicator for determining the effectiveness of the exposure to the oxidative sterilant. The chemical indicator has a metallic surface with a non-pH sensitive permanent indicator on the surface for indicating exposure to the oxidative sterilant. The chemical indicator may be on a self-contained biological indicator. The biological indicator and chemical indicator may be inside a test pack, where the test pack restricts sterilant flow to the indicators.

Abstract: A method and apparatus detect exposure to an oxidation-type sterilant using a non-PH-sensitive bleachable dye as a chemical indicator. A change in color indicates exposure to oxidation-type sterilant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting exposure to an oxidation-type sterilant using a chemical indicator comprising bleachable dye is disclosed. Using the method and apparatus disclosed, a bleachable azo dye is incorporated with an anodized aluminum or chromate conversion coated surface and exposed to an oxidation-type sterilant, such as hydrogen peroxide, and inspected upon completion of the sterilization process for color change. If exposed to sterilant for an appropriate amount of time the bleachable dye changes color thereby indicating adequate sterilization. The surface incorporating bleachable dye may be made to change color after a predetermined number of exposures to a oxidation-type sterilant.

Abstract: A pressure equalization device connects to a port on an endoscope and equalizes the pressure within the endoscope to an environment thereabout. An outlet check valve allows flow out of the port and blocks flow into the port. A filter may be provided for preventing known chemical agents from entering the port. If the agent is hydrogen peroxide, the filter preferably comprises a catalyst, such as copper wool, for decomposing the hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. An inlet check valve may also be provided to communicate with the endoscope port and allow flow into the port in response to a downstream pressure gradient exceeding a predetermined value.

Abstract: Medical instruments incorporating solid lubricants are shown to survive an oxidizing sterilization process if they employ solid lubricants free from disulfide and diselenide compounds such as molybdenum disulfide and the instrument is kept free from such compounds. PTFE, powdered graphite and boron nitride are preferred solid lubricants. Of particular importance are flexible endoscope employing solid lubricants on fiber optic bundles encased in elastomeric coverings.

Abstract: A process for color anodizing and sterilizing aluminum surfaces on medical instruments without fading the anodized color comprises the steps of: anodizing an aluminum surface on a medical instrument to form an oxide film; immersing the surface in a salt bath of a coloring metal and electrolytically depositing the coloring metal onto the oxide film; and repeatedly sterilizing the medical instrument and its surface by exposing it to an oxidizing sterilant, whereby the electrolytically deposited coloring metal remains adhered to the surface and the color of the surface is not adversely affected by the repeated exposure to the oxidizing sterilant. Preferably, the sterilant comprises hydrogen peroxide, the coloring metal comprises tin and the surface remains non-cytotoxic after the anodizing, coloring steps and sterilizing steps.

Abstract: A pressure equalization device connects to a port on an endoscope and equalizes the pressure within the endoscope to an environment thereabout. An outlet check valve allows flow out of the port and blocks flow into the port. A filter may be provided for preventing known chemical agents from entering the port. If the agent is hydrogen peroxide, the filter preferably comprises a catalyst, such as copper wool, for decomposing the hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. An inlet check valve may also be provided to communicate with the endoscope port and allow flow into the port in response to a downstream pressure gradient exceeding a predetermined value.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method for subjecting a carbon/carbon composite material to strain at high temperature which permits the resulting composite material to be formed into various shapes.