Methods for inactivating, on medical instruments and devices, viruses containing rna and dna, and apparatuses for implementating same

Abstract

A solution of methylene blue having a concentration of 0.01-0.02% by means of interaction with light in the emission spectrum of monochromatic emitters having wavelengths ranging between 582 and 592 nm or between 658 and 662 nm and an overall light output of at least 280 lumens (lm), wherein the instruments are kept in said solution for about 90 minutes.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for inactivating RNA and DNA contained in viruses on medical instruments comprising:
 a housing, said housing having a sealable aperture allowing entry to a chamber within said housing;   a container within said housing in said chamber, said container containing therein a methylene blue aqueous solution, at least one medical instrument being immersed in said solution; and   at least one monochromatic light source within said housing in said chamber and above said container, said at least one monochromatic light source irradiating said solution and said at least one medical instrument in said container with monochromatic radiation,   wherein said methylene blue aqueous solution, within said container, has a methylene blue concentration from about 0.01% to about 0.02%,   whereby RNA and DNA of viruses on said at least one medical instrument are inactivated.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein said monochromatic light source is at least one emitter and said monochromatic radiation is within a wavelength range of about 582-592 nm. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein said monochromatic radiation is within a wavelength range of about 588-592 nm. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus according to  claim 3 , wherein said monochromatic radiation is at a wavelength of about 590 nm. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein said monochromatic light source is at least one emitter and said monochromatic radiation is within a wavelength range of about 658-662 nm. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein said monochromatic radiation is at a wavelength of about 660 nm. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein said monochromatic light source emits a total light output of said monochromatic radiation on said solution greater than about 280 lumens. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein said monochromatic light source comprises at least one LED. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 at least one timer on an outside surface of said container, said at least one timer being used to time the irradiation of said solution and said at least one medical instrument.   
     
     
         10 . The apparatus according to  claim 9 , wherein said time for said irradiation of said solution with said at least one medical instrument in said container is for at least about 90 minutes. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus according to  claim 10 , wherein said at least about 90 minutes is a set exposure time for said solution. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 at least one indicator light on an outside surface of said container, said at least one indicator light being used to indicate the status of the irradiation of said solution and said at least one medical instrument.   
     
     
         13 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein said container is a cuvette.