Abstract:
A decontamination device (10) includes a washing chamber (12) defined by a series of sidewalls. Upper and lower shelves (30, 32) are horizontally disposed within the washing chamber. The lower shelf is a rigid non-removable structure divided into three washing sections (42, 44, 46). The upper shelf is disposed vertically above the lower shelf and is slidably mounted within the washing chamber. The upper shelf comprises first, second, and third washing sections (82a, 82b, 82c) and a channel (78) operatively connected to the three shelf sections. The channel provides cleaning solutions to the shelf sections. Each of the washing sections and the shelf sections receive a spindle header (50) having a series of spindles (58) over which glassware is placed. A sealing connector, disposed on each washing section and shelf section, registers with and seals around a manifold of the spindle header and provides cleaning solutions from the channel to the spindle header. The second and third shelf sections of the upper shelf are selectively and individually removable from the washing chamber which provides additional height for larger glassware articles on the lower shelf.
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 50null-60null 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:
A system for detecting and indicating variations in volume of chemicals in a container is provided. The system includes a retention basin configured to retain the container. The retention basin includes a pressure cell, a basin input interfaces, and a basin controller. The pressure cell is configured to measure a weight of the container. The container is placed on the pressure cell. The basin input interface is configured to allow specification of properties of the chemicals in the container. The basin controller is configured to calculate the volume of the chemicals in the container based on the measured weight of the container and the specified properties of the chemicals in the container. The basin controller includes a basin display configured to display the calculated volume of the chemicals in the container.
Abstract:
A method of cleaning an endoscope in a computer-controlled washer/disinfector comprising the steps of connecting each lumen of an endoscope to a fluid distribution system for selectively conveying pressurized air or pressurized fluids through lumens in an endoscope; identifying the type of endoscope to be cleaned in said washer/disinfector; determining a blockage threshold flow coefficient for each lumen for said endoscope to be cleaned; pressurizing each lumen in said endoscope individually and determining an actual flow coefficient through said lumen; determining whether said endoscope is suitable for cleaning by comparing said actual flow coefficients for a lumen in said endoscope to said blockage threshold flow coefficient for said lumen; and determining whether a connection to a lumen in said endoscope is properly connected based upon said flow coefficient through said lumen.
Abstract:
A method for optical detection of residual soil in lumens of lumened or cannulated devices such as surgical endoscopes, after undergoing a decontamination process (e.g., a washing or rinsing operation). A soil detection system provides an indication of the presence of residual soil within a lumen by detecting luminescent radiation emanating from the soil on the interior of the lumen in response to excitation light.
Abstract:
A method for decontaminating articles having porous outer surfaces. The method includes steps of: providing a decontamination chamber; conveying the articles through the decontamination chamber at a predetermined speed wherein the speed is selected such that the articles are disposed in the decontamination chamber for a predetermined period of time; providing a source of sterilant vapor, the source providing the sterilant vapor at a temperature within a predetermined acceptable temperature range and at a concentration within a predetermined acceptable concentration range; conveying a sterilant vapor from the source of sterilant vapor to the decontamination chamber; and exposing the articles to the sterilant vapor. The predetermined period of time and the predetermined acceptable concentration range of the sterilant vapor are selected such that the sterilant vapor does not penetrate the porous outer surfaces of the articles.
Abstract:
A method of cleaning an endoscope in a computer-controlled washer/disinfector comprising the steps of connecting each lumen of an endoscope to a fluid distribution system for selectively conveying pressurized air or pressurized fluids through lumens in an endoscope; identifying the type of endoscope to be cleaned in said washer/disinfector; determining a blockage threshold flow coefficient for each lumen for said endoscope to be cleaned; pressurizing each lumen in said endoscope individually and determining an actual flow coefficient through said lumen; determining whether said endoscope is suitable for cleaning by comparing said actual flow coefficients for a lumen in said endoscope to said blockage threshold flow coefficient for said lumen; and determining whether a connection to a lumen in said endoscope is properly connected based upon said flow coefficient through said lumen.
Abstract:
A method for optical detection of residual soil on articles (such as medical instruments and equipment), after completion of a washing or a rinsing operation by a washer. A soil detection system provides an indication of soil on the articles by detecting luminescent radiation emanating from the soil in the presence of ambient light.
Abstract:
A movable rack assembly for a washer having a generally rectangular frame. The frame includes a central hub connectable to a fluid source. A plurality of elongated tubular base members extends from the central hub and defines a bottom of the frame. A pair of spaced-apart elongated, tubular side members defines side portions of the frame and a space therebetween. Each of a plurality of spaced-apart transverse members has ends that are connected to one of the side members. The transverse members transverse the space defined between the side members. A rotary spray arm is attached to each of the transverse members. A plurality of corner spray nozzles on the frame directs fluid toward corners of the frame. The bottom members, the side members and the transverse members are fluidly connected with each other and fluidly connect the rotary spray arms and the corner spray nozzles with the central hub.
Abstract:
A method for optical detection of residual soil on articles (such as medical instruments and equipment), after completion of a washing or a rinsing operation by a washer. A soil detection system provides an indication of soil on the articles by detecting luminescent radiation emanating from the soil in the presence of ambient light.