System and method for sterilization using ultraviolet radiation

A sterilizer for sterilizing a female Luer fitting, the sterilizer comprising:

• an optical plug comprising:
• a base end defining a base sidewall, the base sidewall having an internal surface finish configured to enable internal reflection of incident light rays,
• a base window disposed at an end of the base end,
• an insertion end defining an insertion sidewall having a tapered frustoconical profile, the insertion sidewall having a second surface finish configured to enable diffusion of incident light rays, the second surface finish being distinct from the internal surface finish, and
• a front window disposed at an end of the insertion end, wherein the insertion end is adapted to be inserted into and to mate with the female Luer fitting such that the insertion end terminates within the female Luer fitting and the front window is disposed within the female Luer fitting, a portion of the internally reflected light rays being diffused through the insertion sidewall and another portion of the internally reflected light rays passing through the front window;
• a sterilizer body comprising:
• a catheter harness assembly adapted to enshroud and align a catheter tube in a straight line along an optical axis, and
• a female Luer fitting harness adapted to enshroud a female Luer fitting and a portion of the insertion end and align the female Luer fitting along the optical axis;
• and
• at least one UV light source disposed at a distance from the base window and configured to emit UV light along the optical axis such that a portion of the UV light propagates through the base window, through the base end by internal reflection, and out of the insertion sidewall of the tapered frustoconical insertion end and front window, thereby irradiating inner surfaces of the female Luer fitting and inside of the catheter tube.