ClorDiSys announced recently that it received a U.S. patent for a system that can expand its sterilization capabilities.
The patent enables the conversion of existing ethylene oxide (EtO) vacuum sterilizers to chlorine dioxide vacuum sterilizers. It enables greater expansion of the sterilization modality and can help decrease the barrier to entry for sterilization facilities without existing infrastructure when they seek to transition away from EtO sterilization technology.
Heavy scrutiny over EtO and its health and environmental impacts has led to a critically reduced sterilization capacity. This, in turn, means risks of a shortage of medical devices for patients. Chlorine dioxide (ClO2) gas sterilization offers an alternative to EtO with significant enhancements, ClorDiSys says.
As a true gas, ClO2 can penetrate tight areas and fill a chamber completely and evenly, rather than condense onto surfaces or limit penetration. It also sterilizes at ambient temperature and is non-explosive at use concentrations. The gas can sterilize embedded batteries, a current limitation of EtO.
Johnson & Johnson developed the ClorDiSys Pure CD sterilization method. The EPA-registered sterilant produces a non-acidic gas that’s gentle on materials. ClorDiSys says its method offers economical and simplicity benefits while also delivering cost and time savings along with environmental friendliness.
