| abstract |
The present invention extends to methods, apparatus, and systems for disinfecting articles with ozone. Aspects of the invention use increased concentrations ozone in sealed, confined volumes, such as, for example, carts, lockers, cabinets, etc. to disinfect or sterilize medical articles. A medical article is placed in a confined volume. The confined volume is sealed so that the atmosphere inside the sealed, confined volume is isolated from the external atmosphere. The concentration of ozone in the sealed, confined volume is rapidly increased to a threshold concentration. At the threshold ozone concentration, the medical article can be disinfection or sterilized in a reduce amount of time. When disinfection or sterilization is complete, the concentration of ozone in the sealed, confined volume is rapidly reduced to a safe level. The sealed, confined volume is unsealed. The disinfected or sterilized medical article can be removed from the confined volume. |