Sterilization wraps and methods for sterilizing articles

Abstract

There is provided an improved sterilization wrap and a method for using the improved sterilization wrap to sterilize an article. The wrap is made of at least one sheet, and preferably two sheets, of sterilization material and in some embodiments, includes an additional sheet which may be made of an absorbent material. The sheet of absorbent material may have a smaller perimeter than at least one sheet of sterilization material. One side of at least one sheet of sterilization material includes a central portion. The absorbent material may be attached to the central portion of at least one sheet of sterilization material. The article to be sterilized is placed on the sterilization wrap and is then wrapped. The absorbent material provides sterility protection for the article in addition to the at least one sheet of sterilization material and also wicks moisture away from the article after sterilization has taken place. A visual indicator may be provided to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions.

1 . A sterilization wrap for wrapping an article to be sterilized comprising: 
 at least a first sheet of sterilization material; and    a sheet of absorbent material bonded to said first sheet of sterilization material;    said sheet of absorbent material adapted to receive the article to be sterilized thereon; said sheet of absorbent material (a) providing sterility protection for the article in addition to said first sheet of sterilization material, and (b) wicking moisture away from the article after sterilization has taken place.    
     
     
         2 . A sterilization wrap as set forth in  claim 1  further including a second sheet of sterilization material; said second sheet of sterilization material bonded to said first sheet of sterilization material.  
     
     
         3 . A sterilization wrap as set forth in  claim 2  wherein each of said first and second sheets of sterilization material includes four edges about their peripheries; said four edges of said first sheet of sterilization material being bonded to said four edges of said second sheet of sterilization material.  
     
     
         4 . A sterilization wrap as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein said sheet of absorbent material is made of cellulose.  
     
     
         5 . A sterilization wrap as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein said sheet of absorbent material is made of an absorbent synthetic.  
     
     
         6 . A sterilization wrap as set forth in  claim 5 , wherein said absorbent synthetic is taken from the group consisting of hydrophilic spunmelt polyolefins, polyester, and nylon, and polyrayons and bicomponent fibers.  
     
     
         7 . A sterilization wrap as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein the perimeter of said sheet of absorbent material is smaller than the perimeter of said first sheet of sterilization material.  
     
     
         8 . A sterilization wrap as set forth in  claim 7 , wherein the perimeter of said sheet of absorbent material is at least 25% less than the perimeter of said first sheet of sterilization material.  
     
     
         9 . A sterilization wrap as set forth in  claim 7 , wherein said first sheet of sterilization material has two sides; one side of said first sheet of sterilization material having a central portion; said sheet of absorbent material bonded to said first sheet of sterilization material at said central portion.  
     
     
         10 . A sterilization wrap as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein said first and second sheets of sterilization material are made of SMS.  
     
     
         11 . A sterilization wrap as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein said sheet of absorbent material is bonded to said first sheet of sterilization material by glue.  
     
     
         12 . A sterilization wrap as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein said sheet of absorbent material is bonded to said first sheet of sterilization material by heat and pressure.  
     
     
         13 . A sterilization wrap as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein the color of said first sheet of sterilization material is different from the color of said sheet of absorbent material so that a sterile field may be readily identified.  
     
     
         14 . A sterilization wrap as set forth in  claim 2 , further including a chemical visual indicator; said chemical visual indicator being in one visual state prior to exposure to sterilant and being in another visual state after exposure to sterilant; said chemical visual indicator being attached to said wrap so as to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions.  
     
     
         15 . A sterilization wrap as set forth in  claim 14 , wherein said chemical visual indicator is attached to said absorbent material.  
     
     
         16 . A sterilization wrap as set forth in  claim 14 , wherein said chemical visual indicator changes color after having been exposed to steam.  
     
     
         17 . A sterilization wrap as set forth in  claim 14 , wherein said chemical visual indicator meets the requirements of ISO 11140-1.  
     
     
         18 . A sterilization wrap as set forth in  claim 1  further including a chemical visual indicator; said visual indicator being in one visual state prior to exposure to sterilant and being in another visual state after exposure to sterilant; said visual indicator being attached to said sterilization wrap to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions.  
     
     
         19 . A method for sterilizing an article comprising the steps of: 
 providing an article to be sterilized;    wrapping the article to be sterilized with a sterilization wrap which comprises:    at least a first sheet of sterilization material; and    a sheet of absorbent material bonded to said first sheet of sterilization material; said sheet of absorbent material adapted to receive the article to be sterilized thereon; said sheet of absorbent material (a) providing sterility protection for the article in addition to said sheet of sterilization material, and (b) wicking moisture away from the article after sterilization has taken place; and    applying sterilant to the wrapped article.    
     
     
         20 . A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in  claim 19  further including a second sheet of sterilization material; said second sheet of sterilization material bonded to said first sheet of sterilization material.  
     
     
         21 . A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in  claim 20 , wherein each of said first and second sheets of sterilization material includes four edges about their peripheries; said four edges of said first sheet of sterilization material being bonded to said four edges of said second sheet of sterilization material.  
     
     
         22 . A method as set forth in  claim 20 , wherein said sheet of absorbent material is made of cellulose.  
     
     
         23 . A method as set forth in  claim 20 , wherein said sheet of absorbent material is made of an absorbent synthetic.  
     
     
         24 . A method as set forth in  claim 23 , wherein said absorbent synthetic is taken from the group consisting of hydrophillic spunmelt polyolefins, polyester, and nylon, and polyrayons and bicomponent fibers.  
     
     
         25 . A method as set forth in  claim 20 , wherein the perimeter of said sheet of absorbent material is smaller than the perimeter of said first sheet of sterilization material.  
     
     
         26 . A method as set forth in  claim 25 , wherein the perimeter of said sheet of absorbent material is at least 25% less than the perimeter of said first sheet of sterilization material.  
     
     
         27 . A method as set forth in  claim 25 , wherein said first sheet of sterilization material has two sides; one side of said first sheet of sterilization material having a central portion; said sheet of absorbent material bonded to said first sheet of sterilization material at said central portion.  
     
     
         28 . A method as set forth in  claim 20 , wherein said first and second sheets of sterilization material are made of SMS.  
     
     
         29 . A method as set forth in  claim 20 , wherein said sheet of absorbent material is bonded to said first sheet of sterilization material by heat and pressure.  
     
     
         30 . A method as set forth in  claim 20 , wherein the color of said first sheet of sterilization material is different from the color of said first sheet of absorbent material so that a sterile field may be readily identified.  
     
     
         31 . A method as set forth in  claim 20 , further including a chemical visual indicator; said chemical visual indicator being in one visual state prior to exposure to sterilant and being in another visual state after exposure to sterilant; said chemical visual indicator being attached to said wrap so as to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions.  
     
     
         32 . A method as set forth in  claim 31  further including an additional sheet attached to said first sheet of sterilization material and to said sheet of absorbent material.  
     
     
         33 . A method as set forth in  claim 31 , wherein said chemical visual indicator is attached to said sheet of absorbent material.  
     
     
         34 . A method as set forth in  claim 31 , wherein said chemical visual indicator changes color after having been exposed to steam.  
     
     
         35 . A method as set forth in  claim 31 , wherein said chemical visual indicator meets the requirements of ISO 11140-1.  
     
     
         36 . A method as set forth in  claim 20 , further including a chemical visual indicator, said chemical visual indicator being in one visual state prior to exposure to sterilant and being in another visual state after exposure to sterilant; said chemical visual indicator being attached to said sterilization wrap to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions.  
     
     
         37 . A sterilization wrap for wrapping an article to be sterilized, comprising: 
 at least a first sheet of sterilization material; said first sheet having an outer periphery and a central portion; and    an additional sheet of material being bonded to the central portion of said first sheet; the perimeter of said additional sheet being smaller than the perimeter of said first sheet.    
     
     
         38 . A sterilization wrap as set forth in  claim 37  further including a second sheet of sterilization material; said second sheet of sterilization material bonded to said first sheet of sterilization material.  
     
     
         39 . A sterilization wrap as set forth in  claim 38 , wherein the second sheet of sterilization material includes an outer periphery; said outer periphery of said first sheet of sterilization material being bonded to the outer periphery of said second sheet of sterilization material.  
     
     
         40 . A sterilization wrap as set forth in  claim 39  further including a chemical visual indicator, said chemical visual indicator being in one visual state prior to exposure to sterilant and being in another visual state after exposure to sterilant; said chemical visual indicator being attached to said wrap so as to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions.  
     
     
         41 . A sterilization wrap as set forth in  claim 37  further including a chemical visual indicator, said chemical visual indicator being in one visual state prior to exposure to sterilant and being in another visual state after exposure to sterilant; said chemical visual indicator being attached to said wrap so as to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions.  
     
     
         42 . A sterilization wrap as set forth in  claim 41  further including an absorbent sheet attached to said additional sheet.  
     
     
         43 . A sterilization wrap as set forth in  claim 40 , wherein said chemical visual indicator is a color change indicator.  
     
     
         44 . A sterilization wrap as set forth in  claim 40 , wherein said chemical visual indicator meets the requirements of ISO 11140-1.  
     
     
         45 . A sterilization wrap as set forth in  claim 40 , wherein said chemical visual indicator is attached to said additional sheet.  
     
     
         46 . A sterilization wrap as set forth in  claim 39 , wherein said first and second sheets of sterilization material and said additional sheet are made of SMS.  
     
     
         47 . A sterilization wrap as set forth in  claim 40 , wherein the basis weight of said additional sheet is equal to or greater than the basis weight of said first sheet of sterilization material.  
     
     
         48 . A sterilization wrap as set forth in  claim 47 , wherein the basis weight of said first sheet is in the range from 0.75 osy to 2.9 osy and the basis weight of said absorbent sheet is in the range from 1.0 osy to 3.0 osy.  
     
     
         49 . A sterilization wrap as set forth in  claim 39 , wherein said additional sheet is SMS.  
     
     
         50 . A sterilization wrap as set forth in  claim 49  further including an absorbent sheet attached to said additional sheet.  
     
     
         51 . A sterilization wrap as set forth in  claim 50  further including a chemical visual indicator; said chemical visual indicator being in one visual state prior to exposure to sterilant and being in another visual state after exposure to sterilant; said chemical visual indicator being attached to said wrap so as to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions.  
     
     
         52 . A sterilization wrap as set forth in  claim 37  further including an absorbent sheet attached to said additional sheet.  
     
     
         53 . A sterilization wrap as set forth in  claim 50 , wherein the perimeter of said absorbent sheet is smaller than the perimeter of said additional sheet.  
     
     
         54 . A sterilization wrap for wrapping an article to be sterilized comprising: 
 at least one sheet of sterilization material; and    a sheet of absorbent material attached to said sheet of sterilization material; said sheet of absorbent material adapted to contact the article to be sterilized; said sheet of absorbent material enabled to wick moisture away from the article after sterilization has taken place.    
     
     
         55 . A sterilization wrap as set forth in  claim 54  further including a chemical visual indicator responsive to the presence of sterilant so as to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions.  
     
     
         56 . A sterilization wrap for wrapping an article to be sterilized comprising: 
 at least one sheet of sterilization material having a central portion; and    a panel attached to said central portion of said sheet of sterilization material; the basis weight of said panel being higher than the basis weight of said sheet of sterilization material.    
     
     
         57 . A sterilization wrap as set forth in  claim 56  further including a sheet of absorbent material attached to said panel; said sheet of absorbent material enabled to wick moisture away from the article after sterilization has taken place.  
     
     
         58 . A sterilization wrap as set forth in  claim 57  further including a chemical visual indicator responsive to the presence of sterilant so as to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions.  
     
     
         59 . A sterilization wrap as set forth in  claim 56  further including a chemical visual indicator responsive to the presence of sterilant so as to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions.  
     
     
         60 . A sterilization wrap as set forth in  claim 56 , wherein said panel is absorbent; said panel enabled to wick moisture away from the article after sterilization has taken place.  
     
     
         61 . A sterilization wrap as set forth in  claim 60  further including a chemical visual indicator responsive to the presence of sterilant so as to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions.  
     
     
         62 . A sterilization wrap for wrapping an article to be sterilized comprising: 
 at least one sheet of sterilization material; and    a chemical visual indicator responsive to the presence of sterilant so as to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions.    
     
     
         63 . A sterilization wrap as set forth in  claim 62  further including a second sheet of sterilization material; said second sheet of sterilization material bonded to said first sheet.  
     
     
         64 . A sterilization wrap as set forth in  claim 63 , wherein said chemical visual indicator is attached to said second sheet.  
     
     
         65 . A method for sterilizing an article comprising the steps of: 
 providing an article to be sterilized;    wrapping the article to be sterilized with a sterilization wrap which comprises:    at least a first sheet of sterilization material; said first sheet having an outer periphery and a central portion; and    an additional sheet of material being bonded to the central portion of said first sheet; the perimeter of said additional sheet being smaller than the perimeter of said first sheet; and    applying sterilant to the wrapped article.    
     
     
         66 . A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in  claim 65  further including a second sheet of sterilization material; said second sheet of sterilization material bonded to said first sheet of sterilization material.  
     
     
         67 . A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in claim  6 E, wherein the second sheet of sterilization material includes an outer periphery; said outer periphery of said first sheet of sterilization material being bonded to the outer periphery of said second sheet of sterilization material.  
     
     
         68 . A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in  claim 67  further including a chemical visual indicator, said chemical visual indicator being in one visual state prior to exposure to sterilant and being in another visual state after exposure to sterilant; said chemical visual indicator being attached to said wrap so as to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions.  
     
     
         69 . A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in  claim 65  further including a chemical visual indicator, said chemical visual indicator being in one visual state prior to exposure to sterilant and being in another visual state after exposure to sterilant; said chemical visual indicator being attached to said wrap so as to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions.  
     
     
         70 . A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in  claim 68 , wherein said chemical visual indicator meets the requirements of ISO 11140-1.  
     
     
         71 . A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in  claim 68 , wherein said chemical visual indicator is attached to said first shoat of sterilization material.  
     
     
         72 . A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in  claim 68 , wherein said chemical visual indicator is attached to said additional sheet.  
     
     
         73 . A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in  claim 67 , wherein said first and second sheets of sterilization material and said additional sheet are made of SMS.  
     
     
         74 . A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in  claim 73 , wherein the basis weight of said additional sheet is equal to or greater than the basis weight of said first sheet of sterilization material.  
     
     
         75 . A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in  claim 74 , wherein the basis weight of said first sheet is in the range from 0.75 osy to 2.9 osy and the basis weight of said absorbent sheet is in the range from 1.0 osy to 3.0 osy.  
     
     
         76 . A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in  claim 67 , wherein said additional sheet is SMS.  
     
     
         77 . A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in  claim 76  further including an absorbent sheet attached to said additional sheet.  
     
     
         78 . A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in  claim 65  further including an absorbent sheet attached to said additional sheet.  
     
     
         79 . A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in  claim 78  further including a chemical visual indicator responsive to the presence of sterilant so as to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions.  
     
     
         80 . A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in  claim 78 , wherein the perimeter of said absorbent sheet is smaller than the perimeter of said additional sheet.  
     
     
         81 . A method for sterilizing an article comprising the steps of: 
 providing an article to be sterilized;    wrapping the article to be sterilized with sterilization wrap which comprises:    at least one sheet of sterilization material; and    a sheet of absorbent material attached to said sheet of sterilization material; said sheet of absorbent material adapted to contact the article to be sterilized; said sheet of absorbent material enabled to wick moisture away from the article after sterilization has taken place; and    applying sterilant to the wrapped article.    
     
     
         82 . A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in  claim 81  further including a chemical visual indicator responsive to the presence of sterilant so as to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions.  
     
     
         83 . A method for sterilizing an article comprising the steps of: 
 providing an article to be sterilized;    wrapping the article to be sterilized with sterilization wrap which comprises:    at least one sheet of sterilization material having a central portion; and    a panel attached to said central portion of said sheet of sterilization material; the basis weight of said panel being higher than the basis weight of said sheet of sterilization material; and    applying sterilant to the wrapped article.    
     
     
         84 . A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in  claim 83  further including a sheet of absorbent material attached to said panel; said sheet of absorbent material enabled to wick moisture away from the article after sterilization has taken place.  
     
     
         85 . A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in  claim 84  further including a chemical visual indicator responsive to the presence of sterilant so as to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions.  
     
     
         86 . A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in  claim 83  further including a chemical visual indicator responsive to the presence of sterilant so as to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions.  
     
     
         87 . A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in  claim 83  wherein said panel is absorbent; said panel enabled to wick moisture away from the article after sterilization has taken place.  
     
     
         88 . A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in  claim 87  further including a chemical visual indicator responsive to the presence of sterilant so as to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions.  
     
     
         89 . A method for sterilizing an article comprising the steps of: 
 providing an article to be sterilized;    wrapping the article to be sterilized in sterilization wrap which comprises:    at least one sheet of sterilization material; and    a chemical visual indicator responsive to the presence of sterilant so as to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions; and    applying sterilant to the wrapped article.    
     
     
         90 . A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in  claim 89  further including a second sheet of sterilization material; said second sheet of sterilization material bonded to said first sheet.  
     
     
         91 . A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in  claim 90 , wherein said chemical visual indicator is attached to said second sheet.  
     
     
         92 . A method as set forth in  claim 89  further including a sheet of absorbent material attached to said sheet of sterilization material; said sheet of absorbent material adapted to contact the article to be sterilized; said sheet of absorbent material enabled to wick moisture away from the article after sterilization has taken place.  
     
     
         93 . A sterilization wrap for wrapping an article to be sterilized comprising: 
 a first sheet of sterilization material; said first sheet of sterilization material having an outer periphery and a central portion;    an additional sheet of material; said additional sheet being bonded to said first sheet; a substantial portion of said additional sheet being adjacent to the central portion of said first sheet; the perimeter of said additional sheet being smaller than the perimeter of said first sheet.    
     
     
         94 . A sterilization wrap as set forth in  claim 93  wherein said additional sheet of material includes spun-bond polypropelene.  
     
     
         95 . A sterilization wrap as set forth in  claim 93  further including a second sheet of sterilization material; said second sheet of sterilization material being bonded to said first sheet of sterilization material.  
     
     
         96 . A sterilization wrap as set forth in  claim 95  wherein the second sheet of sterilization material includes an outer periphery; said outer periphery of said first sheet of sterilization material being bonded to said outer periphery of said second sheet of sterilization material.  
     
     
         97 . A sterilization wrap as set forth in  claim 95  wherein said first and second sheets of sterilization material are made of SMS.  
     
     
         98 . A method for sterilizing an article comprising the steps of: 
 providing an article to be sterilized;    wrapping said article to be sterilized with a sterilization wrap which comprises:    a first sheet of sterilization material; said first sheet of sterilization material having an outer periphery and a central portion;    an additional sheet of material; said additional sheet being bonded to said first sheet; a substantial portion of said additional sheet being adjacent to the central portion of said first sheet; the perimeter of said additional sheet being smaller than the perimeter of said first sheet;    applying sterilant to the wrapped article.    
     
     
         99 . A method as set forth in  claim 98  wherein said additional sheet of material includes spun-bond polypropylene.  
     
     
         100 . A method as set forth in  claim 98  further including a second sheet of sterilization material; said second sheet of sterilization material being bonded to said first sheet of sterilization material.  
     
     
         101 . A method as set forth in  claim 100  wherein the second sheet of sterilization material includes an outer periphery; said outer periphery of said first sheet of sterilization material being bonded to the outer periphery of said second sheet of sterilization material.  
     
     
         102 . A method as set forth in  claim 101  wherein said first and second sheets of sterilization material are made of SMS.  
     
     
         103 . A method as set forth in  claim 98  further including the step of placing said article to be sterilized on said additional sheet.