A method and apparatus for the sanitization, detoxification, disinfection, high level disinfection, or sterilization of both the interior and exterior surfaces of an object or plurality of objects, including those with lumens and / or channels of various sizes, within a
closed space, or
closed system of space, in addition to their surrounding
atmosphere, and relates particularly, though not exclusively, to the generation of an
aerosol including an anti-
pathogen /
toxin / fungal / sporicidal agent(s) or substance(s)(applied agent), or chemical neutralizing agent(s) or substance(s), by way of one or more ultrasonic
nebulizer(s). However the applied agent used in the present invention may also be in the form of any gas, vapor,
plasma,
aerosol, or other form. The said apparatus and method also includes an option to incorporate and utilize a means to wash the object(s) or
endoscope(s). More importantly, the present invention addresses an improvement to the current art, by a new method and apparatus for the application of a positive or negative air /
gas pressure to the internal space, lumens, ducts, or channels, of an object or
endoscope, in order to apply or administer applied agent, in the form of a gas,
plasma, vapor, or
aerosol to the surfaces within these locations as well as to the surfaces and areas that interface with the means to apply the positive or negative air /
gas pressure to the object or
endoscope. The present invention addresses the current problem of obtaining full sanitization, disinfection, high level disinfection, or sterilization, of both the interior and exterior surfaces and areas of an object or endoscope as well as the
interfacing surfaces and areas between the applicator for the applied agent and the object or endoscope. The present invention will allow for the complete sanitization, disinfection, high level disinfection, or sterilization of objects in a simple chamber, or in more complex configurations that include, but are not limited to, glove box units, processors with built in interfaces for
specialty applications such as endoscope reprocessing, and other
application specific designs.