JP2006158937A - Sterilization or disinfection indicator and container thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an indicator usable even for a sterilizing device using water in a sterilizing chamber such as a sterilizing device with built-in ultrasonic cleaning function, a cleaning and sterilizing device, a shower sterilizing device, etc. <P>SOLUTION: An indicator body 2 comprising a conventional chemical indicator or biological indicator is tightly closed into a material 3 with moisture permeability and liquid impermeability. In the concrete, the indicator body 2 is tightly closed into a bag 3 made of a heat resistant and moisture permeable water proof material. Otherwise the indicator body 2 is coated with a heat resistant and moisture permeable waterproof material 3 into a laminate shape. As the moisture permeable and water proof material 3, for instance, Gore-Tex (R) is usable. The moisture permeable and waterproof material 3 is preferably made of a transparent material for visual recognition of changes of the indicator body 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an indicator for confirming sterilization or disinfection and its container.

In the sterilization process, a sterilization indicator consisting of a chemical indicator or a biological indicator is placed in the sterilizer, and the sterilization indicator is discolored to check whether the object to be sterilized has been placed in the intended sterilization environment. To be done.
JP 2000-175959 A ([Claim 2], [0021])

  However, since the conventional sterilization indicator cannot be determined when wetted with water, the sterilization indicator cannot be used in a sterilization apparatus that requires water when sterilizing an object to be sterilized.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a main object thereof is to provide a sterilization or disinfection indicator that can be used even in a sterilization apparatus that uses a liquid, and a container thereof.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems. The invention according to claim 1 is characterized in that the indicator body is sealed in a material that is non-liquid permeable and partially or entirely moisture permeable. This is a sterilization or disinfection indicator. According to the first aspect of the present invention, the indicator body is sealed in a non-liquid-permeable material and does not get wet with liquids such as water. Can also be used. In addition, accurate determination is possible by using a material having moisture permeability in part or all.

  The invention according to claim 2 is a sterilization or disinfection indicator characterized in that the indicator body is covered with a moisture-permeable and waterproof material. According to invention of Claim 2, the indicator main body is sealed in the raw material which has waterproofness, and does not get wet with water. Furthermore, by using a material having moisture permeability, sterilization or disinfection steam is passed, so that accurate determination is possible. In addition, by covering the indicator body, air can be excluded, heat transfer to the indicator body can be improved, and space can be saved.

  The invention according to claim 3 is a sterilization or disinfection indicator characterized in that the indicator body is sealed in a bag of moisture-permeable and waterproof material. According to the third aspect of the present invention, the indicator main body is sealed in a waterproof material and does not get wet with water. Furthermore, by using a material having moisture permeability, sterilization or disinfection steam is passed, so that accurate determination is possible. In addition, since the indicator body is used in a bag, it can be easily applied to indicator bodies of various shapes and configurations.

  In addition to the constituent features of claim 2 or claim 3, the invention described in claim 4 is a covering material that covers the indicator body in a watertight state, or a bag that seals the indicator body in a watertight state, It is a sterilization or disinfection indicator characterized in that only a part is made of a moisture-permeable and waterproof material. According to the invention described in claim 4, the relatively expensive moisture-permeable and waterproof material is used for only a part, thereby providing the sterilization or disinfection indicator according to claim 2 or claim 3 at a low cost. Can do.

  The invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that, in addition to the constituent elements according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the material is made transparent so that a change in the indicator body can be visually recognized. Sterilization or disinfection indicator. According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to confirm the change of the indicator main body without breaking the bag or the covering material that seals the indicator main body.

  Furthermore, the invention described in claim 6 is used in an apparatus capable of performing sterilization or disinfection using steam or hot water in addition to the constituent elements described in any of claims 1 to 5. A sterilization or disinfection indicator characterized by having heat resistance to the steam or hot water used. According to invention of Claim 6, it can utilize suitably for the various sterilization or disinfection apparatuses which use a vapor | steam or hot water.

  The invention according to claim 7 is a container for accommodating the indicator main body in a watertight state, and the container includes a container main body and a lid body that is detachably attached to the container main body, and part or all of the container main body. Is a container for a sterilization or disinfection indicator characterized by being formed of a moisture-permeable and waterproof material. According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, even existing or commercially available various indicators can be used easily and inexpensively for a sterilization apparatus or a disinfection apparatus that uses steam or hot water. In addition, the container itself can be used repeatedly.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an indicator that can be used in a sterilization or disinfection device that uses a liquid, and a container for the indicator.

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The indicator of the present invention can be suitably used for a sterilization apparatus or a disinfection apparatus that uses steam or hot water. The sterilization or disinfection indicator of this embodiment is configured by sealing an indicator body in a material having moisture permeability and non-liquid permeability. For the indicator body, various types of conventionally known chemical indicators (chemical indicators) or biological indicators (biological indicators) can be used. Here, sterilization means a process that kills all microorganisms, and disinfection means a process that kills target microorganisms but does not kill all microorganisms.

  As the material, a moisture-permeable and waterproof material having heat resistance is usually used. The heat resistance up to what degree C is set according to the temperature of hot water or steam used for sterilization or disinfection in which the indicator is used. For a typical sterilization indicator, a material having a heat resistance of about 140 ° C. or higher is preferably used.

  The moisture-permeable and waterproof material means a material having a property of allowing gas (vapor) to pass but not liquid (water). As such a moisture-permeable and waterproof material, a material having many very small holes or a material in which such a microporous film is bonded to a cloth can be used. Alternatively, a non-porous material that does not allow water droplets to pass therethrough but allows water vapor to move, or a coating-type material that performs a strong water-repellent treatment on a high-density fabric can also be used. As such a moisture-permeable and waterproof material, GORE-TEX (registered trademark) is preferably used, but is not limited thereto.

  The indicator body is entirely covered with the moisture-permeable and waterproof material. For this purpose, a bag is made of the moisture-permeable and waterproof material, and after the indicator body is inserted, the bag is closed by closing the mouth of the bag. This bag is preferably reusable. When this bag can be reused, an opening through which the indicator main body can be taken in and out is provided, and a sealing means that can be opened and closed and waterproofed is provided to prevent the liquid from entering from the opening. Or you may coat | cover so that an indicator main body may exclude air with a moisture-permeable waterproof material.

  By the way, as described above, the entire indicator body may be sealed in a watertight state with a moisture permeable waterproof material, but only in a part of the indicator body is sealed in a water tight state while using the moisture permeable waterproof material. Also good. Specifically, the function of the indicator main body is normally exhibited by using a moisture-permeable and waterproof material as a part of the sealing material while sealing the indicator main body in a watertight state with metal or resin.

  In addition, as described above, the indicator main body may be sealed by using a lidded container in addition to covering the indicator main body or putting it in a bag. The container with a lid includes a container body and a lid body that is detachably attached to the container body. The lid is detachably provided by being fitted or screwed into the container body. In a state where the lid is attached to the container body, a watertight space is formed inside the lidded container. Therefore, it is preferable to provide a sealing material such as an O-ring between the container body and the lid.

  Part or all of the container main body and the lid are formed of a moisture-permeable and waterproof material, and the indicator main body can be accommodated in a watertight state. When the moisture-permeable waterproof material is used for only a part, a material having at least a waterproof property is used for the other parts. Specifically, a container with a lid is formed from metal or plastic so as to be waterproof, and an opening provided in a part thereof is closed with a moisture-permeable waterproof material. Thereby, while the indicator main body is sealed in a watertight state, the intended function can be exhibited by the steam entering from the location of the moisture permeable and waterproof material. By the way, it is preferable to impart water repellency to the moisture-permeable and waterproof material, since it prevents the moisture permeability from being inhibited when wet. That is, even if it is a moisture permeable and waterproof material, there is a possibility that the air permeability may be adversely affected if water is attached to the surface thereof, but the water repellency ensures the flow of steam.

  Thus, the indicator constituted by sealing the indicator main body in a watertight state while using a moisture-permeable waterproof material at least in part is used by being placed in a treatment tank of a sterilization apparatus or a disinfection apparatus. This disinfection device includes a cleaning device with a disinfection function. By providing the above-mentioned heat resistance to the sealing material such as moisture permeable and waterproof material, it can function as a sterilization or disinfection indicator even in devices that use hot water or other water during sterilization or disinfection. it can. In addition, since the moisture permeability is at least partially, the indicator can perform its intended function by the permeated vapor.

  Once the desired sterilization or disinfection has been performed, it is possible to visually check whether the chemical indicator has been sterilized or disinfected by a change such as discoloration. It can be confirmed whether the intended sterilization or disinfection has been done. The moisture-permeable and waterproof material covering the indicator body is preferably transparent so that the change of the indicator can be easily confirmed. When the indicator main body is sealed with the lidded container or bag, the indicator main body may be replaced after use of the indicator, and the lidded container or bag may be reused.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
1 and 2 are views showing an embodiment of the sterilization indicator 1 of the present invention. The indicator 1 of the present embodiment is configured such that an indicator body 2 is sealed in a moisture-permeable and waterproof material 3 having heat resistance. The indicator body 2 can use various sterilization indicators that can be sterilized chemically or biologically.

  As the moisture permeable and waterproof material 3, various materials having the property of allowing vapor to pass but not allowing water to pass through are used, and heat resistance is also required because they are placed in a high temperature environment during the sterilization process. In this embodiment, Gore-Tex (registered trademark) is used as a moisture permeable waterproof material having a heat resistant temperature of 200 ° C.

  In the case of the bag type of FIG. 1, even if the size, shape and configuration of the indicator main body 2 to be put in the bag are changed, it can be flexibly dealt with. On the other hand, in the case of the covering type shown in FIG. 2, by covering the indicator main body 2 with the moisture permeable and waterproof material 3 so as to be laminated, air that causes a problem in determination of sterilization or disinfection can be eliminated. In addition to good heat conductivity, it also saves space.

  The indicator body 2 is entirely covered with the moisture-permeable and waterproof material 3. For this purpose, as shown in FIG. 1, a bag is made of the moisture-permeable and waterproof material 3 and the indicator main body 2 is inserted, and then the mouth of the bag is sealed by heat bonding or the like.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the indicator main body 2 may be covered with a moisture permeable waterproof material 3. This coating is performed so as to form a coating on the outer peripheral surface of the indicator body 2.

  The sterilization indicator 1 of the present embodiment is used for management of the sterilization process in various sterilization apparatuses, similarly to the conventional sterilization indicator. In particular, the sterilization indicator 1 of this embodiment can be used for confirmation of sterilization even in a sterilization apparatus using water. Specific examples of sterilizers that use water include an ultrasonic cleaning function built-in sterilizer 4 (FIG. 3), a shower sterilizer 5 (FIG. 4), and a cleaning sterilizer.

  The sterilization apparatus with an ultrasonic cleaning function is a sterilization apparatus having an ultrasonic cleaning function, and can be sterilized after ultrasonic cleaning, and is suitable for medical instruments that need to be cleaned before sterilization. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of the high-temperature steam sterilization apparatus 4 with a built-in ultrasonic cleaning function. In this apparatus, high-temperature steam sterilization is possible after ultrasonic cleaning. In the ultrasonic cleaning, the object 7 to be sterilized is immersed in the cleaning liquid stored in the processing tank 6, the processing tank 6 is depressurized and the cleaning liquid is heated, and the cleaning liquid is cleaned by applying ultrasonic vibration. After the ultrasonic cleaning, the cleaning liquid is discharged, and then high-temperature steam is introduced into the treatment tank 6 for high-temperature steam sterilization. The sterilization indicator 1 is mounted at an appropriate position in the processing tank 6. This mounting position is a position immersed in the cleaning liquid.

  More specifically, in the apparatus of FIG. 3, the processing tank 6 has a double wall structure of an inner tank 8 and an outer tank 9, and the space between the inner tank 8 and the outer tank 9 is made of steam or water. A heat medium introduction space 10 is provided. By introducing the heat medium into the introduction space 10, the inner tank 8 can be heated or cooled. The introduction of the heat medium into the introduction space 10 is performed from the heat medium introduction line 12 connected to the outer tub 9 via the heat medium introduction valve 11, and the discharge is connected to the outer tub 9 via the heat medium discharge valve 13. The heat medium discharge line 14 is made. In addition, a cleaning liquid supply line 16 is connected to the inner tank 8 via a cleaning liquid supply valve 15, a steam introduction line 18 is connected via a steam supply valve 17, and a main discharge via a main discharge valve 19. Line 20 is connected. The inner tank 8 is provided with an ultrasonic vibrator 21 and is connected to a decompression means 22 such as a vacuum pump.

  The sterilization apparatus 4 with a built-in ultrasonic cleaning function having such a configuration is first subjected to ultrasonic cleaning in a state in which the article to be sterilized 7 is accommodated in the inner tank 8. That is, with the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply line 16 into the inner tank 8, steam is introduced from the heat medium introduction line 12 into the introduction space 10 to heat the cleaning liquid in the inner tank 8. In the heating process, the inner tank 8 is depressurized by the depressurization means 22 and the ultrasonic vibrator 21 is operated to give ultrasonic vibration to the cleaning liquid. After ultrasonic cleaning is performed in this manner, the cleaning liquid in the inner tank 8 is discharged from the main discharge line 20, and after the air is removed from the inner tank 8, high-temperature steam sterilization is performed. In other words, the steam 7 is sterilized at a high temperature by supplying steam from the steam introduction line 18 into the inner tank 8 and pressurizing the interior of the inner tank 8 to a desired temperature.

  On the other hand, the shower sterilization apparatus 5 is an apparatus for sterilizing the article 7 to be sterilized with a hot water shower, and is suitable for an article to be sterilized that is susceptible to pressure change such as a retort or a bottle. FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of the shower sterilization apparatus 5. In this apparatus, sterilization of the article 7 to be sterilized accommodated in the processing tank 23 is achieved by spraying high-temperature hot water from the watering device 24 provided in the processing tank 23. The sterilization indicator 1 is mounted at an appropriate place in the processing tank 6. This mounting position is a position where the indicator is wetted with the cleaning liquid by the shower. The circulation line 25 connected to the lower part of the treatment tank 23 is connected to the watering device 24 via the pump 26 and the heat exchanger 27, so that hot water can be circulated from the lower part of the treatment tank 23 to the watering device 24. ing.

  A cleaning sterilization device (not shown) is a device that puts an object to be sterilized in a tank containing a cleaning liquid, blows steam into the cleaning liquid to raise the temperature, and sterilizes by stirring with the bubbles. Used for sterilization.

  Thus, the ultrasonic cleaning function built-in sterilizer 4, the shower sterilizer 5, the cleaning sterilizer and the like are all sterilized using a liquid (such as water). Because liquid is used, conventional indicators do not work and are not available. However, the sterilization indicator 1 of this embodiment can be used because it is sealed with a waterproof material, and also has heat resistance and moisture permeability. However, it can also be used for a sterilization apparatus using a liquid.

  In addition, the sterilization indicator 1 of this invention is not restricted to the structure of the said Example, It can change suitably. In particular, the material 3 that covers the indicator body 2 is not limited to the Gore-Tex (registered trademark) used in the above embodiment as long as it has moisture permeability, non-liquid permeability (waterproof and waterproof), and desired heat resistance. These can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, it is preferable to use a material that considers not only water but also alcohol and chemicals (disinfectant). Moreover, in the above-described embodiment, the description has been made mainly on the premise of sterilization, but the present invention can also be applied to a disinfection apparatus. Moreover, in the said Example, although the whole indicator main body 2 was covered with the moisture-permeable waterproof material 3, in the range which does not affect the function of the indicator main body 2, what part is covered with what kind of material? It can be changed. Furthermore, you may seal the some indicator main body 2 in the bag of a moisture-permeable waterproof material.

  5 and 6 are views showing still another embodiment of the sterilization or disinfection indicator of the present invention, FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view, and FIG. 6 is a sectional view in an assembled state. As shown in these drawings, in the indicator 1 of this embodiment, the indicator body 2 is sealed in a lidded container 28 formed of metal or the like. The lidded container 28 includes a container body 29 and a lid 30. The container body 29 in the illustrated example has a cylindrical shape with the left end face closed, and opens to the right. A screw thread 31 is formed on the right outer peripheral surface of the container body 29. On the other hand, the lid 30 has a cylindrical shape opened to the left side, and a thread groove 32 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the opening. Therefore, the lid 30 can be detachably attached to the container body 29 by screwing the thread groove 32 into the thread 31.

  Incidentally, a round hole-shaped opening 33 is formed on the right end surface of the lid 30. And the disk-shaped moisture-permeable waterproof material 3 is attached to the inner side of the lid 30 so as to close the opening 33 in an airtight state. Thereby, when the container main body 29 is closed by the lid 30, a watertight space is formed inside the container 28 with the lid. However, by using the moisture permeable waterproof material 3 in part, it is possible to allow the vapor to enter the container 28 with a lid. Therefore, the indicator main body 2 is accommodated in the lidded container 28 and can be used for various sterilization apparatuses and disinfection apparatuses that use water and steam as in the above embodiments.

  And the container 28 with a lid | cover can be reused repeatedly by replacing the indicator main body 2 accommodated in the inside. By the way, in this embodiment, the opening 33 is provided on the end face of the lid 30 and the opening 33 is closed with the moisture permeable waterproof material 3. Whether or not 3 is provided can be changed as appropriate.

It is a schematic block diagram which shows one Example of the sterilization indicator of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the other Example of the sterilization indicator of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows an example of the sterilization apparatus with a built-in ultrasonic cleaning function in which the sterilization indicator of this invention is used suitably. It is a schematic block diagram which shows an example of the shower sterilization apparatus with which the sterilization indicator of this invention is used suitably. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows another Example of the sterilization or disinfection indicator of this invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled state of the sterilization or disinfection indicator of FIG. 5.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Indicator 2 Indicator main body 3 Moisture permeable waterproof material 4 Sterilizer with built-in ultrasonic cleaning function 5 Shower sterilizer 7 Object to be sterilized 28 Container with lid 29 Container body 30 Lid

Claims (7)

  A sterilization or disinfection indicator characterized in that the indicator body is sealed in a material having non-liquid permeability and part or all of which is moisture permeable.   A sterilization or disinfection indicator characterized in that the indicator body is covered with a moisture-permeable and waterproof material.   A sterilization or disinfection indicator characterized in that the indicator body is sealed in a bag of moisture-permeable and waterproof material.   The covering material for covering the indicator main body in a watertight state or the bag for sealing the indicator main body in a watertight state is only partially made of a moisture permeable waterproof material. Sterilization or disinfection indicator as described.   The sterilization or disinfection indicator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the material is transparent so that a change in the indicator body can be visually recognized.   It is used for the apparatus which can perform the sterilization or disinfection which uses steam or hot water, and has heat resistance with respect to the used steam or hot water, Any one of Claim 1-5 Sterilization or disinfection indicator as described in. A container that houses the indicator body in a watertight state,
This container includes a container main body and a lid that is detachably attached to the container main body, and a part or all of the container is formed of a moisture-permeable and waterproof material. .

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