| abstract |
Methods of treating soiled items, such as medical instruments, with supplemental ozone treatment, such as combinations of ozone and one or more cleaning agents or sterilants, are provided. The methods involve treating soiled items with ozone to facilitate cleaning, ensure complete sterility, and degrade residual chemical agents, such as sterilants or cleaning agents, from both the instrument and wash/rinse effluent. By treating an item with ozone in a supplemental wash or rinse in cooperation with one or more other chemicals used to clean and sterilize the item, one can ensure that the item and effluent are free of soiling, infectious agents, and chemical residues while minimizing any oxidation-related damage to the item or pollution of the environment. |