Simultaneous Treatment of Washing, Disinfection and Sterilization Using Ultrasonic Levitation, Silver Electrolysis and Ozone Oxidation

摘要

A new type of ultrasonic washer-dlslnfector-sterllizer, able to clean, disinfect and sterilize most kinds of reusable medical devices, has been developed by using the ultrasonic levitation function with umbrella-shape oscillators and ozone bubbling together with sterilization carried out by sliver electrolysis. We have examined the blomedlcal and physicochemlcal performance of this instrument. Prokariotlc and gram-negative Escherlchia coll and eukariotic Saccharomyces cerevisiae were killed by silver electrolysis in 18 min and 1 min, respectively. Prokariotic and gram-positive Geobacillus stearothermophilus and Bacillus atrophaeus, which are most resistant to autoclave and gas sterilization, respectively, were killed by silver electrolysis within 20 min. Prokariotic and gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa was also killed by silver electrolysis in 10 min. The intensity distribution of the ultrasonic levitation waves was homogeneous throughout the tank. The concentration of ozone gas was 2.57 mg/ kg. The concentration of dissolved silver ions was around 0.17 mg/L. The dlsulflde bond in proteins was confirmed to be destroyed by stiver electrolysis.