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US 5,489,531 AGranted
Combined two stage method for cleaning and decontaminating surgical instruments
AssigneeE. R. Squibb & Sons, Inc.
InventorLeslee M. Benson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A two stage method using the same container for both cleaning and microbiologically decontaminating grossly soiled surgical instruments is described. A presoak in an enzyme solution is followed by direct addition of a compatible disinfectant and a continued soak to decontaminate surgical instruments and other paraphernalia used in healthcare facilities.
Claims4
A method of cleaning and microbiologically decontaminating substantially soiled surgical instruments, comprising the following two steps carried out in the same container:
- (1) immersing substantially soiled surgical instruments in an enzyme-based cleaning composition for at least 5 minutes at room temperature, whereby substantially all materials soiling said surgical instruments are removed;
- followed immediately by (2) adding to said container an amount of a germicidal detergent microbiological decontaminating composition sufficient to give a final concentration thereof of at least 1 oz./gal. and continuing to immerse said surgical instruments for at least an additional 5 minutes.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.