Patent ID: 6408682
Filing Date: 2002-06-25
Classification: A61B,G01M

Abstract:
A method for reprocessing an endoscope, the method comprising:(a) supplying a quantity of gas under pressure to an internal passage of the endoscope to pressurize the internal passage; (b) measuring a temperature and a pressure of the gas within the internal passage at a first time; (c) holding the quantity of gas within the internal passage; (d) after step (c), measuring the temperature and pressure of the gas within the internal passage at a second time; (e) determining from the measured temperatures and the measured pressures of the gas within the internal passage at the first and second times whether leakage of the gas from the internal passage has occurred; (f) in response to determining that the endoscope does not have leaks, contacting and decontaminating the endoscope with a decontamination solution; and (g) during step (f), maintaining the pressure of the gas within the endoscope within a range which is above ambient pressure but below a pressure at which damage to the endoscope may occur.