Endoscope immersion tray

Abstract

A system provides for high level disinfection or sterilization of an endoscope having a first portion adapted for immersion and a second portion not adapted for immersion. The system includes a container having a first basin sized and adapted to receive the first portion of the endoscope for immersion, a separate and adjacent second basin sized and adapted to receive the second portion of the endoscope, a wall between the first basing and the second basin, and a trough in an upper portion of the wall between the first basin and second basin through which a tube connecting the first portion of the endoscope and the second portion of the endoscope may extend.

1 - 10 . (canceled)  
     
     
         11 . A system for high level disinfection or sterilization of an endoscope having a first portion adapted for immersion and a second portion not adapted for immersion, the system comprising: 
 a container comprising: 
 a first basin sized and adapted to receive the first portion of the endoscope for immersion;  
 a separate and adjacent second basin sized and adapted to receive the second portion of the endoscope;  
 a wall between the first basin and the second basin; and  
 a trough in an upper portion of the wall between the first basin and second basin through which a tube connecting the first portion of the endoscope and the second portion of the endoscope may extend.  
   
     
     
         12 . A system according to  claim 11  and further comprising a lid for covering at least the first basin.  
     
     
         13 . A system according to  claim 11  wherein the lid covers both the first and second basins.  
     
     
         14 . A system according to  claim 11  and further comprising a conformable seal at the trough adapted to conform about the tube and seal the first basin from the second basin.  
     
     
         15 . A system according to  claim 11  and further comprising a plurality of upwardly extending protrusions whereby to elevate the second portion of the endoscope above a lower surface of the second basin and prevent immersion in any solution accidentally carried over into the second basin.  
     
     
         16 . A system according to  claim 11  and further comprising a drainage path between a lower surface of the second basin and the first basin whereby to drain any fluid accidentally entering the second basin to the first basin to keep the second basin essentially free of fluid.  
     
     
         17 . A system according to  claim 11  wherein the materials of the container are resistant to degradation by or absorption of the disinfection or sterilization solution when it comprises an active ingredient selected from the group of gluteraldehyde and ortho-phthalaldehyde.  
     
     
         18 . A system according to  claim 11  and further comprising instructions for use thereof, said instructions including directions for immersing the first portion of the endoscope in a disinfecting or sterilization solution in the first basin and placing the second portion of the endoscope into the second basin and not immersing the second portion of the endoscope.  
     
     
         19 . A system according to  claim 11  and further comprising an elastomeric seal for sealing the lid, container and endoscope at the trough.