Abstract: Disclosed herein are biological indicators suitable for use in a liquid-chemical sterilization process that may be conducted by an automated endoscope reprocessor. The biological indicator may include one or more ports for introducing and removing a liquid-chemical sterilant therefrom. The biological indicators may include features, such as a declivity leading to a port opening or a pipette, that may assist in transferring the liquid-chemical sterilant. The system may additionally include a holder having features that facilitate use of the system and biological indicators.

Abstract: A reprocessing case may be used to assist in reprocessing an instrument, such as an endoscope in an automated reprocessor. The reprocessing case may include various features such that the case may include and be transitioned between a closed configuration, an open configuration, and a disinfection configuration. In particular the reprocessor may transition the case to a disinfection configuration during a reprocessing procedure.

Abstract: A device for breaking an ampoule of a biological indicator includes: a main body; a pivoting body attached to the main body at a main pivot point; a receiving area in the main body and configured to receive the biological indicator; a pressing surface inside the pivoting body; and a compressing element including a compressing surface, the compressing surface being operable between a first position and a second position located in the receiving area.

Abstract: A device for breaking an ampoule of a biological indicator includes: a main body; a pivoting body attached to the main body at a main pivot point; a receiving area in the main body and configured to receive the biological indicator; a pressing surface inside the pivoting body; and a compressing element including a compressing surface, the compressing surface being operable between a first position and a second position located in the receiving area.

Abstract: A sterilization tray is disclosed herein. A medical instrument, such as an endoscope, may be placed into the sterilization tray, and the sterilization tray with the medical instrument disposed therein may be placed into a vacuum chamber of a sterilization system. The sterilization tray may also be used to transport the medical instrument to and from a point of care. Sterilization is performed with the instrument in the base component and the lid component disposed atop the base component. Transportation is performed with the instrument in the lid component and the base component disposed atop the lid component.

Abstract: An endoscope reprocessor having a tube and nozzles may be used to increase the effectiveness of an endoscope reprocessor. Fluid may be delivered into the tube through the nozzle, which may be oriented in various orientations. Energy of the flow within the tube may be increased by introduction of fluid through the nozzles, which may additionally move the endoscope within the tube.

Abstract: A sterilization tray is disclosed herein that may be used to facilitate preparation of an endoscope for sterilization and increase the likelihood that the endoscope will be properly sterilized. The sterilization tray may be fabricated from a flexible and vapor-permeable sheet. Cutouts may be disposed through the sheet to define standoffs that are foldable away from the sheet. A first standoff may include a first contoured portion disposed therein. The tray may also include a second standoff that has a second contoured portion and a third contoured portion disposed therein. The third standoff may include a locking tab disposed on a free end of the third standoff. A positioning tab may also be disposed on the third standoff. The sterilization tray may also include a dry booster to which an endoscope may be connected.

Abstract: A sterilization tray is disclosed herein. A medical instrument, such as an endoscope, may be placed into the sterilization tray, and the sterilization tray with the medical instrument disposed therein may be placed into a vacuum chamber of a sterilization system. The sterilization tray may also be used to transport the medical instrument to and from a point of care. Sterilization is performed with the instrument in the base component and the lid component disposed atop the base component. Transportation is performed with the instrument in the lid component and the base component disposed atop the lid component.

Abstract: A reprocessing case may be used to assist in reprocessing an instrument, such as an endoscope in an automated reprocessor. The reprocessing case may include various features such that the case may include and be transitioned between a closed configuration, an open configuration, and a disinfection configuration. In particular the reprocessor may transition the case to a disinfection configuration during a reprocessing procedure.

Abstract: A sterilization tray is disclosed herein. A medical instrument, such as an endoscope, may be placed into the sterilization tray, and the sterilization tray with the medical instrument disposed therein may be placed into a vacuum chamber of a sterilization system. The sterilization tray may also be used to transport the medical instrument to and from a point of care. Sterilization is performed with the instrument in the base component and the lid component disposed atop the base component. Transportation is performed with the instrument in the lid component and the base component disposed atop the lid component.

Abstract: A dry-booster adapter assists in connecting a dry booster to an endoscope and may further assist in preventing detachment of the dry booster from the endoscope during a sterilization process. The adapter may include a fixation feature that fits between a surface of an endoscope control body and flanges thereof. It may also include another fixation feature including a locking tab. The adapter may also include a living hinge, which may assist in attaching the adapter to the endoscope, and that may be broken assist in removing the adapter from the endoscope.

Abstract: An endoscope reprocessor having a tube and nozzles may be used to increase the effectiveness of an endoscope reprocessor. Fluid may be delivered into the tube through the nozzle, which may be oriented in various orientations. Energy of the flow within the tube may be increased by introduction of fluid through the nozzles, which may additionally move the endoscope within the tube.

Abstract: A sterilization tray is disclosed herein that may be used to facilitate preparation of an endoscope for sterilization and increase the likelihood that the endoscope will be properly sterilized. The sterilization tray may be fabricated from a flexible and vapor-permeable sheet. Cutouts may be disposed through the sheet to define standoffs that are foldable away from the sheet. A first standoff may include a first contoured portion disposed therein. The tray may also include a second standoff that has a second contoured portion and a third contoured portion disposed therein. The third standoff may include a locking tab disposed on a free end of the third standoff. A positioning tab may also be disposed on the third standoff. The sterilization tray may also include a dry booster to which an endoscope may be connected.

Abstract: A sterilization tray is disclosed. The sterilization tray comprises a basin and a platter including a depression and a port disposed through a terminal end of the depression. The basin and the platter define a chamber and the port defines a passage into the chamber. An adapter may be connected to the port to facilitate connection of an endoscope thereto. The tray and the endoscope may be disposed in a vacuum chamber of a sterilizer and subject to a sterilization cycle. A pressure differential may be created between the vacuum chamber and the first chamber. A sterilant may be drawn through the insertion tube and into the first chamber. The sterilant may also be drawn through the insertion tube and into the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A sterilization tray is disclosed herein. A medical instrument, such as an endoscope, may be placed into the sterilization tray, and the sterilization tray with the medical instrument disposed therein may be placed into a vacuum chamber of a sterilization system. The sterilization tray may also be used to transport the medical instrument to and from a point of care. Sterilization is performed with the instrument in the base component and the lid component disposed atop the base component. Transportation is performed with the instrument in the lid component and the base component disposed atop the lid component.