Sterilization Cabinet Filter Inspection for Single-User Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current sterilization verification methods require two individuals, one of whom must be sterile, to inspect the filter of a sterilization cabinet, necessitating the removal of contents and preparation of a sterile field, which is inefficient and disruptive.
Innovation Solution
A method allowing a single user, ungowned and non-sterile, to inspect the filter integrity of a sterilization cabinet before removing contents, eliminating the need for a sterile field and additional personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sterilization verification methods are used requiring two individuals and sterile field preparation, then sterilization integrity is verified, but operational efficiency deteriorates and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the filter inspection function from the sterile field environment and performs it externally by a non-sterile user. The door with filter is removed from the sterilization chamber, allowing inspection without compromising the sterile contents inside, thus enabling single-user operation and improving efficiency while maintaining verification reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach where the filter is inspected through removal of the door assembly rather than direct access within the sterile chamber. This intermediary method allows non-sterile users to verify filter integrity without needing to enter or contaminate the sterile field, resolving the contradiction between verification reliability and operational efficiency
2Reliability
If traditional sterilization verification methods are used requiring two individuals, then sterilization integrity is verified, but personnel requirements increase and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the filter inspection task from the complex two-person sterile procedure and converts it into a simple single-user external inspection. By removing the door with the filter attached, the inspection can be performed by any user without requiring sterile attire or a second person, thereby reducing personnel requirements and procedural complexity while maintaining verification reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service verification where a single user can independently complete both the filter inspection and content removal tasks. The door removal mechanism allows the user to access and inspect the filter without assistance, and then replace the door to maintain sterility, making the entire verification process self-contained and eliminating the need for multiple personnel
3Reliability
If traditional sterilization verification methods are used requiring sterile field preparation, then sterilization integrity is verified, but time consumption increases and operational disruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the filter inspection performed before the sterile contents are removed or used. The door with filter is inspected while still attached to the chamber, allowing verification to occur prior to any potential contamination risk. This preliminary verification eliminates the need for time-consuming sterile field setup and reduces overall verification time while maintaining reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A method of verifying sterilization comprises performing a sterilization cycle on a sterilizing cabinet, opening the door with the first filter overlying the vent port by a single user being non-sterile and ungowned and examining the first filter, by the single user being non-sterile and ungowned, to verify the integrity of the sterilization cycle in the sterilizing device, determining if the integrity of the first filter is acceptable by the single user being non-sterile and ungowned, and removing, by the single user being sterile and gowned, through the access port at least one tray from the interior of the sterilizing cabinet if the integrity of the first filter is acceptable.