Sterilizing method and apparatus

A method for placing filters, the method comprising:

• (a) disposing a primary filter within a filter holder and overlaying a first filter section on the primary filter, the filter holder configured to hold the primary filter and a confirmatory filter to occlude a vent port of a sterilizing cabinet forming a first sealed interface with the sterilizing cabinet;
• (b) disposing the confirmatory filter within the filter holder;
• (c) overlaying a second filter holder section on the confirmatory filter;
• (d) forming a second sealed interface between the confirmatory filter and at least a portion of one of the sterilizing cabinet and the primary filter, a portion of the confirmatory filter overlying a portion of the primary filter;
• (e) passing a sterilizing agent through the primary filter and the confirmatory filter during a sterilization cycle;
• (f) opening the second filter holder section;
• (g) removing the confirmatory filter from the filter holder after the sterilization cycle;
• and
• (h) maintaining the first sealed interface with the sterilizing cabinet while removing the confirmatory filter.

A method for verifying sterilization, the method comprising:

• (a) performing a sterilization cycle in a sterilizing device having a filter holder including a first filter holder section and a second filter holder section, the first filter holder section overlying a primary filter and the second filter holder section overlying the secondary filter, the first filter holder section, and the primary filter;
• (b) opening the second filter holder section;
• (d) removing from a filter holder the secondary filter, the secondary filter having a second sealed interface with the primary filter from the sterilizing device such that the primary filter maintains a sealed interface with a vent port of the sterilizing device;
• and
• (c) examining the secondary filter to verify the integrity of the sterilization cycle in the sterilizing device.