Patent ID: 7153469

Claim:
A method for sterilizing an article utilizing sterilization material which includes first and second layers of sterilization material; each layer having first, second, third and fourth edges; each layer having a central portion; said first edge of said first layer being in register with and joined to said first edge of said second layer; said second edge of said first layer being in register with and joined to said second edge of said second layer; said third edge of said first layer being in register with and joined to said third edge of said second layer; said fourth edge of said first layer being in register with and joined to said fourth edge of said second layer; said central portion of said first layer not substantially joined to said central portion of said second layer; said first layer having an outer surface; said first layer having an inner surface; an open space between said central portions of each layer; said open space being substantially sealed by the joining along said edges of said layers; said method comprising the steps of: providing an article to be sterilized; said article to be sterilized being at least one re-usable medical instrument; positioning said article to be sterilized above the outer surface of said first layer; said inner surface of said first layer not contacting said article to be sterilized; wrapping said article to be sterilized with said first and second layers; applying sterilization conditions to said wrapped article whereby two layers of sterilization material are provided for said article to be sterilized.