Sterilization methods

A method of sterilizing a medical device, comprising:

• placing the medical device in a sterilization chamber;
• receiving at an access control system a command to lock a door of a sterilization system;
• locking a door of the sterilization system;
• performing one or more steps of a sterilization procedure, the one or more steps comprising:
• exposing the medical device to a sterilant;
• and
• monitoring a concentration of the sterilant and/or a by-product of the sterilization procedure;
• in response to the concentration of the sterilant and/or the by-product of the sterilization procedure is below a predetermined threshold, enabling access to the sterilization chamber;
• receiving at an access control system a request to unlock a door of the sterilization chamber;
• and either:
• if access has been enabled, unlocking the door;
• or
• if access has not been enabled, denying the request to unlock the door.

A sterilization apparatus, comprising:

• a sterilization chamber having a lockable door;
• at least one chemical sensor positioned within a chamber of the sterilization chamber;
• an access control system in electronic communication with the lockable door;
• a control and monitoring system in electronic communication with the at least one chemical sensor and the access control system;
• and
• a sterilant source in fluid communication with the chamber of the sterilization chamber, the sterilant source providing a sterilant to the chamber of the sterilization chamber;
• wherein the access control system is configured to lock the lockable door at a start of a sterilization procedure and unlock the lockable door as follows:
• monitoring a concentration of the sterilant or a by-product of the sterilization procedure after the sterilant has been introduced to the chamber;
• determining the concentration of the sterilant or by-product is below a predetermined threshold and, in response, enabling access to the chamber;
• receiving a request to unlock a door of the sterilization chamber;
• and either:
• if access has been enabled, unlocking the door;
• or
• if access has not been enabled, denying the request to unlock the door.