Sterilization method employing a circulating gaseous sterilant
US4637916A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 18, 1984 |
| Grant date | Jan 20, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 18, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61L2/204
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A sterilization method comprising subjecting a sterilization chamber to an initial vacuum and then introducing steam to increase chamber pressure. The introduction of steam is interrupted and the chamber is brought into communication with a solution in a gaseous sterilant generator. The mixture of gaseous sterilant and chamber atmosphere are continuously circulated whereby equilibrium is established and the material to be sterilized is subject to constant temperature, pressure, sterilant concentration, and relative humidity for a period of time sufficient for sterilization. Also disclosed is an apparatus capable of performing the sterilization method comprising a sterilization chamber in combination with a gaseous sterilant generator. Formaldehyde is the preferred sterilizing agent.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.