UV Port Sanitization for Automated Pharmacy Admixture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pharmaceutical handling systems face challenges in effectively sanitizing fluid transfer ports of medical containers like IV bags and syringes, which are crucial for preventing bioburden contamination during automated or semi-automated pharmaceutical processes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an ultraviolet (UV) port sanitization system that uses UV radiation to sanitize fluid transfer ports, integrated into an Automated Pharmacy Admixture System (APAS), which includes a controller to determine the appropriate radiation dose and delivery method based on the size and shape of the medical container, ensuring effective reduction of bioburden without the need for consumables and minimizing explosive fumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sanitization methods (chemical agents, heat) are used on fluid transfer ports, then bioburden reduction is achieved, but consumables are required and explosive fumes may be generated creating safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical and thermal sanitization systems with a UV-C radiation system. The UV-C source (200-280nm wavelength) is positioned to irradiate fluid transfer ports, eliminating the need for chemical agents and heat generation. This substitution removes consumable requirements and eliminates explosive fume hazards while maintaining bioburden reduction effectiveness through photodisruption of microbial DNA/RNA.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sanitization parameter from chemical concentration or temperature to UV radiation dose (intensity × time). By controlling radiation dose parameters, the system achieves reliable bioburden reduction without the safety hazards associated with chemical and thermal methods. The dose can be precisely controlled based on port geometry and contamination level.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If UV radiation is applied to sanitize fluid transfer ports, then safety hazards from consumables are eliminated, but ensuring complete coverage of various port sizes and shapes becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the UV radiation delivery system into multiple independent sources or zones, each targeting specific regions of fluid transfer ports. This segmentation allows customized irradiation patterns for different port geometries without requiring a single complex system, simplifying the overall design while ensuring complete coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic positioning mechanisms that allow UV sources to move or adjust their positions relative to the fluid transfer ports. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to various port sizes and shapes, ensuring complete radiation coverage without requiring multiple fixed complex configurations.
3Productivity
If automated pharmacy admixture systems are used, then pharmaceutical handling efficiency is improved, but the risk of bioburden contamination during fluid transfer operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary UV-C sanitization of fluid transfer ports before pharmaceutical fluid transfer operations. By pre-sanitizing all contact surfaces including needles, syringes, and port surfaces, the system eliminates bioburden contamination risks before they can occur during automated handling, maintaining both high productivity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes continuous UV-C irradiation during fluid transfer operations, not just as a preliminary step. The radiation source remains active throughout the entire transfer process, providing ongoing protection against contamination while the automated system operates, ensuring continuous sterile conditions without interrupting productivity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The UV port sanitization system significantly reduces bioburden on medical containers, enhancing the safety and efficiency of pharmaceutical handling by providing a controlled and aseptic environment for fluid transfers, while reducing the risk of contamination and operational hazards.
Implementation Method 1
a source of ultraviolet (UV) radiation capable of delivering a dose of UV radiation sufficient to kill or incapacitate one or more types of biocontaminants
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods to reduce bioburden on at least a portion of a fluid transfer port include supplying a dose of radiation to the portion in optical communication with at least one source of radiation. In an illustrative example, a medical container, such as a vial or IV bag, receives a dose of ultraviolet (UV) energy substantially at a predetermined region of a fluid transfer site. In some examples, such a sanitization process may precede a fluid transfer operation in which a fluid is transferred into or out of the medical container by passing through the sanitized region. Such fluid transfers may be used in automated or semi-automated pharmaceutical processes, such as drug reconstitution. Various embodiments may further include one or more seal assemblies, each seal assembly having an aperture through which the radiation dose is supplied from the source to a controlled region on the fluid transfer port.