Abstract: The present invention relates to improved cleaning compositions and new methods for treating medical residue such as that remaining on surgical devices and appliances after use. The medical residue treatment compositions of the invention include: (a) at least one surfactant; (b) at least one solvent; (c) at least one co-solvent; (d) at least one nitrogen containing biocide; and (e) at least one organic chelating agent.

Abstract: A dental resin material mixed with a composition containing, as a maincomponent, titanium dioxide whose surface has been partly coated with apatite. In the dental resin material, it is preferable that anatase-, rutile-, brookit-type titanium dioxide or a mixture of these components is used as the titanium dioxide. The apatite for partial coating of titanium dioxide is produced by immersing powdery titanium dioxide in a pseudo body fluid and stirring the immersed titanium dioxide approximately at the same temperature as a human body temperature, i.e., 36° C. In this instance, it is important that the apatite is deposited in the form of platy crystals of less than 2 mm in thickness to cover 0.001-10% of the surface of titanium dioxide.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for sterilizing embolic compositions under conditions wherein the viscosity of the composition is minimally transformed after sterilization as compared to the composition prior to sterilization.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cleaning a contaminated medical instrument including the step of immersing the instrument in a solution containing an enzyme based cleaning composition including a “hospital grade disinfectant”. Compositions useful for cleaning contaminated medical instruments in accordance with the method include an enzyme, a quat biocide and an “activity protector”, which may be for example, enzyme stabilizers, enzyme stabilizing systems, micelle formation modifiers and inhibitors, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: An environmentally friendly decontaminant solution, which may be disposed of after use without posing significant environmental hazards, is formulated without molybdenum-based corrosion inhibitors and preferably is free of all heavy metals. A zeolite-based buffering system optionally replaces phosphate buffers for maintaining the pH of the decontaminant solution at an appropriate pH for effective antimicrobial decontamination. Molybdenum-free decontaminant solutions containing peracetic acid retain their peracetic acid levels, and thus their antimicrobial effectiveness, for longer periods than comparable solutions formulated with a molybdate corrosion inhibitor.

Abstract: Contact lens cleaning compositions comprising preserved surfactant-containing solutions of a poly(oxypropylene)-poly(oxyethylene) adduct of ethylene diamine having a molecular weight from about 7500 to as high as 27,000 wherein at least 40 weight percent of the adduct is poly(oxyethylene) hydrophilic units. The solutions are effective in removing protein/lipid tear film deposits on both hard and soft contact lenses while providing a prophylactic-like action in retarding the formation of subsequent tear film deposits. The compositions provide effective cleaning and conditioning action using both ambient and high temperature disinfection methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cleaning a contaminated medical instrument including the step of immersing the instrument in a solution containing an enzyme based cleaning composition including a “hospital grade disinfectant”. Compositions useful for cleaning contaminated medical instruments in accordance with the method include an enzyme, a quat biocide and an “activity protector”, which may be for example, enzyme stabilizers, enzyme stabilizing systems, micelle formation modifiers and inhibitors, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions for removing biofilms from contaminated surfaces. The compositions minimally comprise a detergent and a salt or a salt-forming acid. Preferably, the compositions comprise a detergent and a salt-forming acid, to provide salts and acids in equilibrium, in such a way that the biofilm is rapidly dismantled and removed in such an environment. The compositions may also comprise a bactericide, for destroying bacteria.

Abstract: A solution is disclosed which is useful in removing contaminating nucleic acids from various surfaces, including areas such as laboratory bench tops, floors and walls, as well as surfaces of instruments and equipment in laboratories where nucleic acid amplification reactions are conducted. Further, methods and kits are provided that afford effective decontamination and removal of nucleic acids from such surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for cleaning, rinsing, and/or antimicrobial treatment of medical carts, medical cages, and other medical instruments, devices or equipment. The method for cleaning employs a solid alkaline, for example a solid carbonate, cleaning composition for cleaning the medical cart, cage, instrument, device, or equipment. The method for rinsing employs a solid neutral or neutralizing rinse composition for rinsing the medical cart, cage, instrument, device, or equipment. The method for antimicrobial treatment employs a solid, for example a solid quaternary ammonium or solid halogen, antimicrobial composition, for antimicrobial treatment of the medical cart, cage, instrument, device, or equipment.

Abstract: An antiseptic soap composition includes alcohol as an active ingredient in combination with a sudsing agent. In a preferred embodiment, the composition includes: SD 40 alcohol or isopropyl alcohol in an amount of between 35% and 80% by weight; ammonium lauryl sulfate as a sudsing agent in an amount of between 5% and 30% by weight; one or more oils as a grease cutting agent and fragrance enhancer; one or more thickening agents; a catalyst; and water.

Abstract: The invention relates to the preparations used for disinfecting and applied in national economy, medicine, laboratories of all types. The preparation contains a chelating metal complex compound with a monodentate ligand, which exhibits affinity to hydrogen ion, an ionogenic surfactant and a solvent. The preparation displays antiseptic properties and effectiveness of the content. The preparation affects gram positive and gram negative bacteria, viruses, spores. The preparation can be applied in a broad temperature interval.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cleaning a contaminated medical instrument including the step of immersing the instrument in a solution containing an enzyme based cleaning composition including a “hospital grade disinfectant”. Compositions useful for cleaning contaminated medical instruments in accordance with the method include an enzyme, a quat biocide and an “activity protector”, which may be for example, enzyme stabilizers, enzyme stabilizing systems, micelle formation modifiers and inhibitors, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to stabilise ozone in solution. The invention also relates to cleaning compositions using the stabilised ozone solutions that may be used to remove all types of unwanted substances and bacteria, while being stable and having no negative impact on the environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid enzyme cleaning composition in which the enzyme is stable in the presence of mixtures of carbonate and bicarbonate at alkaline pH, and methods employing this composition. The enzyme cleaning composition preferably employs weight ratios of carbonate and bicarbonate to stabilize one or more enzymes in a solid, a concentrate, and/or a use composition, and at temperatures higher than ambient.

Abstract: In a process to clean a polyurethane glove, which has been cured on a glove form, so as to remove non-volatile residues and low-volatility residues from the glove before the glove is removed from the form, the form bearing the glove is immersed in a quiescent or agitated bath consisting essentially of a solvent selected from isopropyl alcohol, hexane, and blends of isopropyl and hexane, preferably isopropyl alcohol, at an elevated temperature of approximately 60° C., for a predetermined time not less than approximately five minutes, preferably for a predetermined time of approximately ten to twenty minutes, whereupon the form bearing the glove is withdrawn from the bath and the glove is allowed to be air-dried on the form.

Abstract: An anticorrosive, penetration enhancing composition for cleaning decontaminating and rinsing includes electrochemically activated (ECA) water as the decontamination agent. The anticorrosive decontamination composition has, as the anticorrosive agent, a compound or mixture of compounds capable of inhibiting corrosion of various metals used in sterilization decontamination and rinsing systems and objects such as medical instruments. Preferred anticorrosive compounds include phosphates, azoles, and sulfates. Other additives, including wetting agents, are added to reduce the surface energy of the ECA water. This reduced surface energy permits the ECA water to penetrate into objects of complex design thus permitting complete decontamination of the treated object.

Abstract: A composition for simultaneous cleaning and decontaminating a device. The composition is a per-compound oxidant in an amount effective for decontaminating the device and an enzyme in an amount effective for cleaning the device. The device may be a medical device such as an endoscope or kidney dialyzer and a plurality of devices can be cleaned using the same composition. The composition may additionally contain a corrosion inhibitor in an amount effective to prevent corrosion of a metal, a chelator, a buffer, a dye and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A composition and a method for decontaminating small diameter water lines for medical equipment which effectively dislodges and eliminates a biofilm and at the same time destroy the microorganism flora in the fresh water and in the dislodged biofilm. In addition the composition or method does not corrode water line materials, it is safe and non-toxic, it does not expose patients to the decontaminaiting chemicals or process, it does not leave significant residual chemicals in the water line, it does not require the use of sterile solutions and aseptic technique by dental personel, and it does not require mixing or dilution of chemicals prior to use.

Abstract: A surface which carries a material which is infected with prions is cleaned with an alkaline cleaning solution to remove as much proteinaceous material as possible from the surface. The cleaning agent is an alkaline cleaning agent which attacks prions remaining on the surface and which attacks prions removed from the surface during the cleaning step. After the cleaning solution is drained, a solution of surfactants, buffers, and heavy metal free corrosion inhibitors is circulated over the surface at 50°-60° C. The surfactants disperse and unclump the prion-contaminated material. A strong oxidant, preferably peracetic acid, is added to the solution to bring the peracetic acid concentration to 1,000-2,500 ppm. The peracetic acid or other strong oxidant attacks the prions, particularly the unclumped prion strands, deactivating the prions. After rinsing and drying, the surface may be wrapped in a microbe impermeable barrier and subjected to terminal sterilization, such as steam autoclaving.

Abstract: An environmentally friendly decontaminant solution, which may be disposed of after use without posing significant environmental hazards, is formulated without molybdenum-based corrosion inhibitors and preferably is free of all heavy metals. A zeolite-based buffering system optionally replaces phosphate buffers for maintaining the pH of the decontaminant solution at an appropriate pH for effective antimicrobial decontamination. Molybdenum-free decontaminant solutions containing peracetic acid retain their peracetic acid levels, and thus their antimicrobial effectiveness, for longer periods than comparable solutions formulated with a molybdate corrosion inhibitor.

Abstract: A two-part disinfecting systems, as well as disinfecting compositions and methods for making and using the same. The two-part disinfecting system contains a first part and a second part adapted to be mixed to yield an aqueous disinfecting composition, wherein the first part comprises a chlorite and the second part comprises an acid and an optional oxidizable colorant, and wherein the first part, the second part, or both the first and second parts comprise an alpha olefin sulfonate.

Abstract: A method by which medical equipment, such as surgical scalpels, can be sanitized using a detergent or treating composition containing a surfactant and a solvent such as water is disclosed. The method involves taking the used medical equipment and contacting it with the treating composition, and subjecting both the equipment and composition to microwaves. The composition foams during microwaving and/or immerses the equipment such that microwave arcing is avoided, and such that the medical equipment is sanitized.

Abstract: A method and composition for sterilizing articles that are contaminated with infectious prion protein, such as surgical instruments, kitchen utensils, laboratory tools, etc., comprising the steps of: (a) heating the articles to be treated at a moderate temperature well below the incineration temperature of said infectious prion protein, wherein said moderate temperature is sufficient to enhance the proteolytic susceptibility of infective prion protein associated with said articles; and (b) exposing the heated articles to a proteolytic enzyme that is effective for at least partial reduction of the infective protein prion associated with said articles under said moderate temperature.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a composition and a method for cleaning instruments and the like. More particularly, it is concerned with compositions for removal of body fluid from surgical instruments and other surfaces such as operating tables and instrument trays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for cleaning, rinsing, and/or antimicrobial treatment of medical carts, medical cages, and other medical instruments, devices or equipment. The method for cleaning employs a solid alkaline, for example a solid carbonate, cleaning composition for cleaning the medical cart, cage, instrument, device, or equipment. The method for rinsing employs a solid neutral or neutralizing rinse composition for rinsing the medical cart, cage, instrument, device, or equipment. The method for antimicrobial treatment employs a solid, for example a solid quaternary ammonium or solid halogen, antimicrobial composition, for antimicrobial treatment of the medical cart, cage, instrument, device, or equipment.

Abstract: A composition for cleaning and decontaminating medical devices such as dialyzers. A per-compound oxidant, for example, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and/or peracetic acid, is mixed with a buffer such as dipotassium hydrogen phosphate. The pH of the composition is between about 5-11. The composition effectively cleans the device, can achieve high level disinfection and sterilization of the device and is non-corrosive to plastics and adhesives used in the device.

Abstract: A composition for simultaneous cleaning and decontaminating a device. The composition is a per-compound oxidant in an amount effective for decontaminating the device and an enzyme in an amount effective for cleaning the device. The device may be a medical device such as an endoscope or kidney dialyzer and a plurality of devices can be cleaned using the same composition. The composition may additionally contain a corrosion inhibitor in an amount effective to prevent corrosion of a metal, a chelator, a buffer, a dye and combinations thereof.

Abstract: An oxidizing species is described herein as a reaction product through an in situ preparation combining a quaternary or protonizable nitrogen compound, an oxidant compound and a halide source at controlled proportions in an aqueous, non-aqueous, gel, aerosol, solid-phase or powdered media. The oxidizing species can be used to reduce microbial and viral populations on a surface or object or in a body or stream of water. The invention thus finds applications as a bleach, sanitizer, oxidant, or in any other application in which an oxidizing agent can be beneficially used alone or in a formulation.

Abstract: A chemical cleaning composition for cleaning electronic equipment and electric or electronic appliances, a device for the application of such composition, and a method of cleaning such equipment are disclosed.

Abstract: A method by which dental equipment, such as dental scalers, can be sanitized using a detergent or treating composition containing a surfactant and a solvent such as water is disclosed. The method involves taking the used dental equipment and contacting it with the treating composition, and subjecting both the equipment and composition to microwaves. The composition foams during microwaving and/or immerses the equipment such that microwave arcing is avoided, and such that the dental equipment is sanitized.

Abstract: Antimicrobial detergent compositions especially suitable for manual diswashing comprise 0.001-2% iodine ions complexed with an amphoteric surfactant, 5-90% uncomplexed surfactant selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants and mixture thereof, and 5-50% water. The detergent compositions have pH of 7-10. Preferably at least a portion of the iodine ions are added as an iodine in the form of a compound selected from the group consisting of KI, NaI, KOI, NaOI and Ca(0I)2.

Abstract: A method for treating medical instruments after a surgical procedure, which leaves blood or other body fluid on the instrument, includes applying a gel composition that inhibits the fluid from drying on the instruments. The gel composition is preferably a low viscosity gel exhibiting both sufficient flow and coating characteristics. The viscosity is preferably from about 700 to about 4,000 centipoise (cps), preferably around 3,000 cps. Applying a gel to post-surgical medical instruments contains and keeps protein containing fluids moist for extended periods of time and facilitates subsequent transportation, cleaning, and sterilization of such instruments.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of an N,N′-substituted glycine or of an N,N′-substituted derivative of glycine (a) of the general formula I in which R1 is hydrogen or a straight-chain or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl, alkaryl or aralkyl radical having 1 to 30 C atoms, which can optionally contain heteroatoms such as O, S and N, R2 is a straight-chain or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl, alkaryl or aralkyl radical having 1 to 30 C atoms containing at least one primary, secondary or tertiary amino group and X is OH, OR3, NH2, NHR4, NR4R5 or O−M+, where R3, R4 and R5 are straight-chain or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl, alkaryl or aralkyl radicals which can be identical to or different from one another, and M is a metal cation, as active compound in a tuberculocidal disinfectant.

Abstract: Acidic detergent composition comprising (a) protease I obtainable from Aspergillus aculeatus and having a pH optimum of 3 to 6 and (b) at least one nonionic surfactant and methods for using the composition for cleaning or washing a hard surface or laundry.

Abstract: Biofilm and debris can be removed from the interior and exterior surfaces of small bore tubing by passing an aqueous cleaning solution of water, one or more surfactants and preferably a source of hydrogen peroxide, optionally including small inert solid particles, together with a gas under pressure, to create a turbulent flow within the tubing that loosens the biofilm and debris so that they can be flushed from the tubing. When the exterior surfaces of tubing are to be cleaned, the tubing is inserted in a sleeve fitted with an adaptor that provides a pressure-tight seal between the tubing and the sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of liquid or gel detergents. More specifically, the invention relates to a method for removing stains and/or odors and for disinfecting plastics, and other substrates by applying a liquid or gel detergent composition to the substrate and subjecting the substrate to microwaves. This method provides enhanced cleaning and improved stain removal on plastics, and other substrates. These cleaning compositions include a bleaching agent, preferably diacyl peroxide in a liquid or gel detergent formulation. These compositions in combination with the method of microwaving are also very effective in disinfecting and deodorizing substrates.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for removing impurities from an elastomer intended for medical or pharmaceutical use, which includes a step of performing a first solvent extraction process on the elastomer by contacting the elastomer with a first extracting solvent in a non-supercritical state to substantially remove impurities from the elastomer, thereby leaving a residue of said first extracting solvent in the elastomer. The elastomer is there after subjected to a second solvent extraction process, by contacting the elastomer with a second extracting solvent, which is a supercritical fluid or a mixture of super critical fluids, in order to remove substantially reduce the concentration of the residue of the first extracting solvent remaining in the elastomer after the first solvent extraction process.

Abstract: This invention relates to a foaming enzyme composition and delivery method useful for the cleaning and maintenance of moist conditions of the surfaces of soiled instruments, utensils and other devices prior to final cleaning and/or sterilization. The aqueous composition preferably consists of a combination of: (1) an enzyme cleaning solution, (2) foam-building ingredients; (3) a corrosion inhibitor; and (4) an antimicrobial agent. The composition may be dispensed from a pump spray as a stable foam which covers the surfaces of the instrument to be cleaned, and remains on the surface of the instrument for at least 30 minutes, and preferably until the instruments are finally cleaned and sterilized. The composition and delivery method of the present invention is particularly useful for the pre-cleaning of complex medical instruments such as endoscopes.

Abstract: A cleaning composition includes a detectable substance which is relatively stable in the cleaning composition, for indicating whether the cleaning composition has been thoroughly removed from a vessel following a cleaning process. For pharmaceutical applications, the detectable substance is preferably a low-foaming surfactant that is detectable by high performance liquid chromatography at concentrations of around 10 ppm, or less. The surfactant is thus detectable in the same analytical procedure as are traces of pharmaceutical residues which have not been removed from the vessel. The analytical procedure is used to develop a cleaning protocol for future cleaning processes by determining the number of rinses needed for reducing the surfactant, and hence the cleaning product, and also the pharmaceutical residues, in the rinse water to predetermined acceptable levels.

Abstract: A method for antimicrobial treatment of microorganisms and/or viruses which involves treating the microorganisms and/or viruses with an effective amount of a fungal laccase and one or more enhancers in the presence of oxygen, the enhancers having the formula: wherein A, B and C are as defined in the specification.

Abstract: Biocompatible aqueous biocompatible cleaning and deodorizing compositions comprise (i) a biocompatible high osmotic pressure material, (ii) a Polycarboxylic acid salt, (iii) a polyhydric alcohol, (iv) a nonionic surfactant, and (v) an odor elimination agent, in water. The compositions are particularly suitable for cleaning and deodorizing medical devices which are designed for receiving and/or holding human waste. Preferably, the compositions are free of non-biocompatible or toxic components and have a relatively neutral pH, whereby the compositions are not harmful to human skin upon contact.

Abstract: A method of removing glass particles adhering to an inner wall of a glass cartridge of an injection syringe. A helical brush remover made of polyhexamethylene dodecanediamide or a helical stone remover made of aluminum oxide and titanium oxide is inserted into the inner wall of the glass cartridge. The helical brush or helical stone remover rubs against the inner wall of the glass cartridge to remove glass particles as water is sprayed onto the inner wall of the glass cartridge.

Abstract: A method of using a cleansing composition for cleansing a quantitatively aspirating sampling probe in an automated hematological analyzer is disclosed. The cleansing composition employed in the method is formulated to cleanse instantaneously on contact, and practically eliminates carry-over of hematological sample material, assaying reagents or of the cleansing composition itself. The cleansing composition is an acidic aqueous solution of pH 5.0 or less, including (1) a substance having a primary amino group; and (2) one or more nonionic surfactants selected from the group consisting of polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ether, polyoxyethylene alkyl ester and polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester. Assay-material contaminated surfaces of the sampling probe are contacted with a cleansing amount of the cleansing composition.

Abstract: A low odor, aqueous, quick acting cold temperature disinfectant solution primarily useful for medical instruments to disinfect within a half hour or less. The composition comprises a reacting or synergistic combination of hydrogen peroxide and from about 1% to 30% by weight of a carboxylic acid/carboxylate salt buffered solution.

Abstract: A cleansing composition and method of use are disclosed for cleansing a quantitatively aspirating sampling probe in an automated hematological analyzer. The cleansing composition is formulated to cleanse instantaneously on contact, and practically eliminates carry-over of hematological sample material, assaying reagents or of the cleansing composition itself. The cleansing composition is an acidic aqueous solution of pH 5.0 or less, including (1) a substance having a primary amino group; and (2) one or more nonionic surfactants selected from the group consisting of polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ether, polyoxyethylene alkyl ester and polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester.

Abstract: A high level disinfectant and sterilant solution that is useful to disinfect and sterilize heat-sensitive medical, dental and veterinary devices. The disinfectant solution is a two-part system for mixing just prior to use. The first part comprises glutaraldehyde and a phenolic chemical at a concentration of from about 0.5% w/w to 2.2% w/w, and a second separately contained part that is an activated buffer form of ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA). The third part of the system is local potable tap water.

Abstract: A sterilant-disinfectant solution which may be used in the cleaning of metallic objects, particularly medical instruments. Medical instruments, which may included brass, copper, aluminium, stainless steel, carbon steel or plastic parts are sterilized or disinfected in an anti-microbial solution. The solution includes a triazole or other component for inhibiting the corrosion of copper or brass. Phosphates or other buffering agents adjust the solution pH in order to prevent the corrosion of steel. Molybdates or analogous compounds may be used to buffer the pH and have been found to inhibit the corrosion of aluminium by oxidizing agents. A sequestering agent is preferably provided for inhibiting hard water precipitation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a foaming enzyme composition and delivery method useful for the cleaning and maintenance of moist conditions of the surfaces of soiled instruments, utensils and other devices prior to final cleaning and/or sterilization. The aqueous composition preferably consists of a combination of: (1) an enzyme cleaning solution, (2) foam-building ingredients; (3) a corrosion inhibitor; and (4) an antimicrobial agent. The composition may be dispensed from a pump spray as a stable foam which covers the surfaces of the instrument to be cleaned, and remains on the surface of the instrument for at least 30 minutes, and preferably until the instruments are finally cleaned and sterilized. The composition and delivery method of the present invention is particularly useful for the pre-cleaning of complex medical instruments such as endoscopes.

Abstract: An automatic processing system and method which has high flexibility, extendibility and failure resistance. An automatic processing system and method that provides for the decentralized control of processings of plural samples. The invention combines a plurality of processing instruments and makes use of sample containers for each sample. Each sample container includes an information processing mechanism, a memory mechanism and a communication mechanism. The sample container has stored therein an abstract processing procedure, and determines, based on information concerning the processing instruments obtained from the processing instruments and the abstract processing procedure, a processing procedure for processing the sample. Thereafter, the processing instruments process the sample based on the processing procedure determined by the sample container.