Method and kit for removing aldehyde-based stains

Abstract

A method and kit are disclosed for removing or alleviating the severity or intensity of stains from aldehyde-based sterilizing solutions through the use of reducing agents. This invention is effective even for porous surfaces such as filter paper and porous nylon films as well as for smooth surfaces such as glass, aluminum, copper, brass and stainless steel. Also, the invention may be used in a variety of formats such as a kit useful for making or using solutions or gels to treat the aldehyde-based stained surfaces of, for example, medical devices, hospital bench or table tops, hospital floors and skin (if in appropriate pH range), etc.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method for removing or lessening the severity of aldehyde-based stains comprising the steps of: 
 a) providing an aldehyde-based stain on a surface or in a material; and    b) applying a reducing agent to the stained surface or material.    
     
     
         2 . The method of claims  1 , wherein the reducing agent is selected from the group consisting of LiAlH 4 , NaBH 4 , NaCNBH 3 , Na-Ethyl alcohol, and hydrogen/catalyst and mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the aldehyde-based stain comprises an imine formed from an aldehyde and a chemical containing amino group.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the aldehyde comprises a germicide.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the aldehyde comprises one or more (CHO) functional group.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the aldehyde comprises a dialdehyde.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the aldehyde is selected from the group consisting of ortho-phthalaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde and mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the chemical is selected from the group consisting of alkyl amine, aryl amine, polymer amine, protein, peptide, amino acid, and any combination thereof.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the surface or material is selected from the group consisting of a bench top, floor, medical device, drape, gown, dressing and human skin.  
     
     
         10 . A kit for removing or lessening the severity of aldehyde-based stains comprising: 
 a) a source of reducing agent; and    b) instructions regarding the proper amount of reducing agent to be combined with a solvent or a gel in order to provide a solution or a suspension of effective strength to remove or lessen aldehyde-based stains.    
     
     
         11 . The kit of  claim 10 , further comprising a container within which to combine the reducing agent and solvent.  
     
     
         12 . The kit of  claim 10  or  11 , wherein the instructions require use of a solvent selected from the group consisting of water, alcohol, acid, gel and mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         13 . The kit of  claim 12 , wherein the acid includes organic and inorganic compounds with at least one active hydrogen.  
     
     
         14 . The kit of  claim 10 , wherein the reducing agent is selected from the group consisting of LiAlH 4 , NaBH4, NaCNBH 3 , Na-Ethyl alcohol, and hydrogen/catalyst and mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         15 . The kit of  claim 11  wherein the container is a spray bottle.  
     
     
         16 . The kit of  claim 11  wherein the container comprises a dropper.  
     
     
         17 . The kit of  claim 11  wherein the aldehyde-based stain comprises an imine formed from an aldehyde and a chemical containing amino group.