Instrument container having multiple chambers with flow pathways therebetween

An instrument container for microbial deactivation of an instrument in a microbial deactivation process, the container comprising:

• a first chamber;
• a second chamber;
• a wall separating the first chamber from the second chamber;
• an opening formed in the wall;
• a seal member for substantially sealing said opening, wherein an instrument extends through said seal member;
• and
• at least one fluid pathway between said first and second chamber passing through said wall.

A system for microbially deactivating instruments, the system comprising:

• a circulation system for circulating a microbial deactivation fluid through a decontamination chamber that forms part of the circulation system;
• a container located within said decontamination chamber for holding at least one instrument to be microbially deactivated, said container comprising:
• a tray having a bottom wall and a continuous side wall extending from the periphery of said bottom wall, said bottom wall and said side wall defining a cavity for receiving an instrument to be microbially deactivated;
• a first removable seal member including a first opening dimensioned to receive a portion of the instrument extending therethrough;
• a dividing wall in the tray for dividing said cavity into a first chamber and a second chamber;
• wherein said dividing wall includes at least one recess dimensioned to receive said first removable seal member;
• and
• a lid attachable to said tray to enclose said cavity.