| 摘要 |
<p>A low temperature method for the cleaning and disinfection of heat and liquid-sensitive articles that are brought into physical contact with patients during diagnostic evaluation, surgery or therapy. These articles, such as endoscopes, bronchoscopes and related equipment are thus subject to contamination by microorganic pathogens and consequently may serve as transmittal agents for noscomial infection. In the method of this invention, quick, penetrating and adequate disinfection can be obtained by the use of a vapor consisting essentially of from 40 to 100% isopropanol and the remainder consisting predominantly of water vapor. The aforesaid articles are brought into direct contact and totally enveloping contact with the vapor at a temperature between 45.degree.C. and 65.degree.C. for a period effective to destroy the pathogens. When the articles are then removed from vapor contact, any condensed isopropanol on the surfaces of the article quickly evaporates. This method can be operated in a disinfection chamber at constant atmospheric pressure or a vacuum can be drawn prior to introduction of the vapor into the chamber. disinfection generally results in from 1/2 hour to 1 1/2 hours, with shorter times possible in the vacuum cycle.</p> |
