Abstract: A method of delivering a liquid sterilant to a sterilizer involves piercing a cell of a cassette with a first needle having a first lumen, flowing a gas into the cell to pressurize the cell relative to a pressure within the first lumen and drive the liquid sterilant out of the cell through the first lumen. The liquid sterilant travels from the lumen to a vaporizer in the sterilizer.

Abstract: A method of reducing the concentration of disinfectant in an environment having a concentration of disinfectant of about 500 ppm or less for a period of time to a lower concentration is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of dehumidifying the environment for the period of time to remove disinfectant, and humidifying the environment with moisture during the period of time to maintain a difference between a lower relative humidity and an upper relative humidity of the environment ranging from about 20 to 50%. A system for decontaminating an environment is also disclosed, comprising a source of disinfectant, a source of moisture, one or more spray generators, and a dehumidifier. A method of decontaminating an environment or enclosure is disclosed, comprising the steps of introducing disinfectant, maintaining liquid disinfectant on surfaces, and dehumidifying the environment to increase the disinfectant concentration is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of reducing the concentration of disinfectant in an environment having a concentration of disinfectant of about 500 ppm or less for a period of time to a lower concentration is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of dehumidifying the environment for the period of time to remove disinfectant, and humidifying the environment with moisture during the period of time to maintain a difference between a lower relative humidity and an upper relative humidity of the environment ranging from about 20 to 50%. A system for decontaminating an environment is also disclosed, comprising a source of disinfectant, a source of moisture, one or more spray generators, and a dehumidifier.

Abstract: A cassette for a sterilizer has one or more cells containing a sterilant. Packaging for the cassette includes and outer fluid impermeable envelope and an absorbent web wrapped around the cassette to absorb and contain any sterilant which may leak out of the cassette. The absorbent web includes a superabsorbent polymer.

Abstract: A chemical vapor sterilization process is enhanced by flowing a portion of the sterilant vapor through an instrument container using a normal portion of the exhaust process. Preferably, an exhaust conduit which draws a vacuum on a sterilization chamber is oriented so that the container is adjacent an inlet to the conduit.

Abstract: A Biological Indicator Evaluator Resistometer (BIER vessel) provides enhancements in controlling the start and end points of exposure to a sterilant gas. The end point control employs a large volume relative to the test chamber volume upon which is drawn a deep vacuum and then exposed to the test chamber to quickly exhaust the sterilant gas from the test chamber.

Abstract: An occlusion minimizing connector connects a lumen in a lumen device to a source of sterilization fluid in an endoscope reprocessor. The connector has a sealing portion shaped to engage a surface on the lumen device. The sealing portion is formed of a resilient material biasing a sealing surface into contact with the surface on the lumen device. The biasing is such that the seal is maintained when pressure within the flow passage is below a predetermined level preventing leakage of the flow past the sealing portion. When pressure within the flow passage is above the predetermined level fluid leaks past the sealing portion to bathe the surface on the lumen device. Thus, the surface will not be occluded during a cleaning process.

Abstract: A cassette for a sterilizer has one or more cells containing a sterilant. Packaging for the cassette includes and outer fluid impermeable envelope and an absorbent web wrapped around the cassette to absorb and contain any sterilant which may leak out of the cassette. The absorbent web includes a superabsorbent polymer.

Abstract: A method of delivering a liquid sterilant to a sterilizer involves piercing a cell of a cassette with a first needle having a first lumen, flowing a gas into the cell to pressurize the cell relative to a pressure within the first lumen and drive the liquid sterilant out of the cell through the first lumen. The liquid sterilant travels from the lumen to a vaporizer in the sterilizer.

Abstract: A door closure system for a vacuum sterilization chamber includes a mechanism to allow movement of the door with respect to the chamber at the hinge. An elongated slot on the door captures a fixed shaft to allow rotation of the door. A spring in the door operates against the shaft biasing the door toward the chamber. Forces applied by the hinge and by an opposite latch are normalized.

Abstract: A door closure system for a vacuum sterilization chamber includes a mechanism to allow movement of the door with respect to the chamber at the latch and more preferably at the hinge. In one aspect the hinge attaches to the chamber via screws through elongated slots in the hinge. A spring biases the door toward the chamber. Forces applied by the hinge and by an opposite latch are normalized.

Abstract: A Biological Indicator Evaluator Resistometer (BIER vessel) provides enhancements in controlling the start and end points of exposure to a sterilant gas. The end point control employs a large volume relative to the test chamber volume upon which is drawn a deep vacuum and then exposed to the test chamber to quickly exhaust the sterilant gas from the test chamber.

Abstract: A chemical vapor sterilization process is enhanced by flowing a portion of the sterilant vapor through an instrument container using a normal portion of the exhaust process. Preferably, an exhaust conduit which draws a vacuum on a sterilization chamber is oriented so that the container is adjacent an inlet to the conduit.

Abstract: A method for determining exposure of a test sample to hydrogen peroxide in an atmosphere includes placing a substrate into the atmosphere, contacting the substrate with the hydrogen peroxide, reacting the hydrogen peroxide with a dye intermediate to produce a chromophore indicative of the integrated exposure of hydrogen peroxide in the atmosphere; and correlating the chromophore to the integrated exposure of hydrogen peroxide in the atmosphere. The dye intermediate may be a dye-couple of 3-methyl-2-benzothiazolinone hydrazone hydrochloride (MBTH) and 3-dimethylaminobenzoic acid (DMAB). The intensity of the chromophore is indicative of an integrated hydrogen peroxide exposure.

Abstract: A method for determining exposure of a test sample to hydrogen peroxide in an atmosphere includes placing a substrate into the atmosphere, contacting the substrate with the hydrogen peroxide, reacting the hydrogen peroxide with a dye intermediate to produce a chromophore indicative of the integrated exposure of hydrogen peroxide in the atmosphere; and correlating the chromophore to the integrated exposure of hydrogen peroxide in the atmosphere. The dye intermediate may be a dye-couple of 3-methyl-2-benzothiazolinone hydrazone hydrochloride (MBTH) and 3-dimethylaminobenzoic acid (DMAB). The intensity of the chromophore is indicative of an integrated hydrogen peroxide exposure.