A method for validating a method for sterilizing an item, making it possible to validate the sterility assurance level achieved with this sterilization method. The method includes carrying out a first step of contaminating a container receiving the item with more than 10.sup.5 living microorganism cells, then carrying out a first sterilization cycle with the chosen method, then opening the container in order to contaminate it again with more than 10.sup.5 living microorganism cells, then carrying out a second sterilization cycle with the same method, and finally checking the sterility of the container after the first sterilization cycle and after the second sterilization cycle. The method is applicable in particular for products and devices intended for health use.

The invention refers to an endoscope including at least one channel which may be contaminated in use, wherein the channel wall of the at least one channel is formed of a material having properties capable of photocatalysis. The invention further refers to a method for cleaning such an endoscope including the steps of: connecting the endoscope to a reprocessing device, performing a photocatalytic treatment at least in the at least one channel for the purpose of the decomposition of organic residues on the surface of the channel, and rinsing the endoscope. The invention further refers to a cleaning device for cleaning such an endoscope.

An arrangement, and associated method, for cleaning and disinfecting an endoscope having an internal channel accessible via an opening. The arrangement includes: a support structure; at least one tray including at least one fixture arranged to maintain the endoscope in the desired position within the tray; a rack arranged to support the tray; a control unit arranged to control and operate the arrangement; a user interface connected to the control unit and arranged to make it possible for an operator to indicate the type of endoscope arranged in the tray; an optical device connected to the control unit and configured to confirm the type of endoscope arranged in the tray; a robotic device operated by the control unit and arranged to clean the at least one channel in the endoscope arranged in the tray; and a disinfector device arranged to enclose the tray and disinfect the endoscope.

An ultraviolet emitting system for sanitizing a target volume can include a plurality of adjustably positionable light sources having a collapsed position and the expanded position. The light sources of the plurality of adjustably positionable light sources can be configured to emit ultraviolet light in a substantially homogenous irradiance within the target volume in any position between the collapsed position and the expanded position.

Seal integrity indicators for sterilization containers are provided. For example, a seal indicator may indicate whether the container is sufficiently sealed to prevent an ingress of contaminants into the container. If the container is sufficiently sealed, the seal indicator is visible, but if not, the seal indicator is not visible. Thus, the seal indicator undergoes a change in state when the sterilization container transitions from unsealed to sealed, or vice versa, such that a user may ascertain whether the container is properly sealed to maintain the container's sterility. An exemplary seal indicator includes an invertible projection formed with the container gasket that is not visible from outside the container until inverted, due to force applied by the lid, to extend through an opening in the container body. Closure mechanisms for sterilization containers also are provided.

A fluid dispensing device includes a cartridge comprising a housing and a head coupled to the housing. The housing forms a first chamber configured to accommodate a fluid; and the head includes a nozzle; and an elastomeric wall that is spaced from the nozzle to form a holding chamber. The holding chamber is in fluid communication with the first chamber and configured to accommodate a portion of the fluid; and the nozzle forms one or more openings to eject the portion of the fluid from the holding chamber. The one or more openings form an oblong shape such that a length of the oblong shape is greater than a width of the oblong shape. The one or more openings can include two parallel slots that together form the oblong shape.

A biological indicator (100) for use in a liquid-chemical decontamination system is disclosed. The biological indicator may include a housing (102) and a cap (106) coupled to the housing. The cap may comprise a liquid chamber and at least two ports. One of the ports may connect to a liquid passage in the cap such that liquids such as liquid-chemical decontaminants may be introduced and removed from the biological indicator via this port.

Reusable catheter products are provided for storing, transporting, and sterilizing reusable urinary catheters.

A sterilization container for receiving cleaned or sterilized medical goods or medical goods to be cleaned or sterilized. The container includes a sterilization container lower part forming a receiving space for the goods and a sterilization container lid that can be detachably mounted on the sterilization container lower part to seal the receiving space. At least one handle element is located on the sterilization container lower part and can be positioned between a carrying position projecting from the sterilization container lid and a locking position that locks the sterilization container lid to the sterilization container lower part. A receiving region is formed in the sterilization container lid for receiving the handle element in the locking position. The receiving region is a trough like handle recess in the form of a depression projecting into the receiving space with respect to the lid plane for receiving the entire handle element.

Urinary catheters and methods for preventing bacterial infections.