| 摘要 |
Methods for sterilizing an instrument contaminated with biological matter are disclosed. The apparatus generally includes a container for containing a room temperature antimicrobial solution and a lid that can seal the container such that a gas is trapped within the container and above the antimicrobial solution. The apparatus provides a pressure, independent of heat, within the sealed container to greater than one atmosphere. Vibration is also provided to vibrate the container, and its contents, such that biological matter on the instruments is removed and all microbes on the instrument are exposed to the antimicrobial solution. The pressure drives and forces the antimicrobial solution into the cracks and crevices of the instrument and also into the outer membrane of the microbe, which can be first softened or attenuated by the vibrations. The method of sterilization generally includes submerging the instrument in the room temperature antimicrobial solution, sealing the container to trap a gas above the antimicrobial solution, increasing the pressure, independent of heat, within the container to force the antimicrobial solution into the cracks and crevices of the instrument and into contact with the microbe(s), and vibrating the container to remove matter from the instrument and to soften the outer membrane of the microbe.
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