Vapor sterilization using inorganic hydrogen peroxide complexes
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for hydrogen peroxide sterilization of an article, comprising:
- a container for holding the article to be sterilized at a pressure of less than 50 torr; and
a source of hydrogen peroxide vapor in fluid communication with said container, said source comprising a non-aqueous inorganic hydrogen peroxide complex which does not decompose to release a hydrohalic acid, said complex being at a temperature greater than 86°
C., said source configured so that said vapor can contact said article to effect sterilization.
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Abstract
An apparatus and process for hydrogen peroxide vapor sterilization of medical instruments and similar devices make use of hydrogen peroxide vapor released from an inorganic hydrogen peroxide complex. The peroxide vapor can be released at room temperature and atmospheric pressure; however, the pressure used can be less than 50 torr and the temperature greater than 86° C. to facilitate the release of hydrogen peroxide vapor. The heating rate can be greater than 5° C. Optionally, a plasma can be used in conjunction with the vapor.
186 Citations
39 Claims
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1. An apparatus for hydrogen peroxide sterilization of an article, comprising:
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a container for holding the article to be sterilized at a pressure of less than 50 torr; and a source of hydrogen peroxide vapor in fluid communication with said container, said source comprising a non-aqueous inorganic hydrogen peroxide complex which does not decompose to release a hydrohalic acid, said complex being at a temperature greater than 86°
C., said source configured so that said vapor can contact said article to effect sterilization. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for hydrogen peroxide vapor sterilization of an article, comprising:
placing said article into a container; and
inorganic hydrogen peroxide complex which does not decompose to release a hydrohalic acid by heating the complex at a rate of at least 5°
C./minute to contact and sterilize the article.- View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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28. A method for hydrogen peroxide sterilization of an article, comprising:
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placing the article in a enclosure containing an inorganic hydrogen peroxide complex; sealing said enclosure; and allowing said enclosure to stand at a temperature below 70°
C. for a time sufficient to release hydrogen peroxide vapor from said complex to effect sterilization of the article. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36)
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37. A sealed enclosure containing a sterile product and an inorganic hydrogen peroxide complex capable of releasing hydrogen peroxide vapor, and which does not decompose to release a hydrohalic acid.
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38. A method for hydrogen peroxide vapor sterilization of an article, comprising:
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placing said article into a container; and contacting the article with a hydrogen peroxide vapor to contact and sterilize the article, said vapor being released from an inorganic hydrogen peroxide complex which does not decompose to release a hydrohalic acid.
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39. A method for hydrogen peroxide sterilization of an article having an exterior and a narrow lumen therein, comprising:
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connecting a vessel containing an inorganic peroxide complex which does not decompose to release a hydrohalic acid to the lumen of the article; placing the article within a container, whereby said vessel remains connected to the lumen; reducing the pressure within said container; and contacting the lumen of the article with hydrogen peroxide vapor released from said inorganic peroxide complex at a temperature less than 70°
C.
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Specification