Abstract: Systems and methods to reduce bioburden on at least a portion of a fluid transfer port include supplying a dose of radiation to the portion in optical communication with at least one source of radiation. In an illustrative example, a medical container, such as a vial or IV bag, receives a dose of ultraviolet (UV) energy substantially at a predetermined region of a fluid transfer site. In some examples, such a sanitization process may precede a fluid transfer operation in which a fluid is transferred into or out of the medical container by passing through the sanitized region. Such fluid transfers may be used in automated or semi-automated pharmaceutical processes, such as drug reconstitution. Various embodiments may further include one or more seal assemblies, each seal assembly having an aperture through which the radiation dose is supplied from the source to a controlled region on the fluid transfer port.

Abstract: Some methods and related apparatus for manipulating a fluid conduit for insertion into a substantially re-sealable membrane include determining an orientation and position of a fluid conduit relative to the membrane. In an illustrative example, a syringe needle having a beveled leading edge may be manipulated by an automated device to be oriented and aligned with an aperture made upon a previous insertion of a needle into a membrane. In some examples, a predetermined number of insertions may be made in the same aperture by aligning and orienting one or more needles with the aperture. In some examples, multiple needle insertions may be controlled to produce apertures that are substantially spaced apart. Such procedures may, for example, advantageously extend the integrity of the membrane against leakage and/or contamination.