Polymeric device suitable for ultraviolet detection

Abstract

The present invention relates to a flow cell ( 10 ) comprising a fluid inlet ( 16 ) and a fluid outlet ( 18 ) separated by a sample flow-through chamber ( 12 ) comprising at least one UV-transparent window ( 22 ′), wherein the at least one UV-transparent window ( 22 ′) is made of a polymer material and has been subjected to Gamma radiation sterilisation. In one aspect, the flow cell is combustible.

1 . A flow cell ( 10 ) comprising:
 a fluid inlet ( 16 ) and a fluid outlet ( 18 ) separated by a sample flow-through chamber ( 12 ) including at least one UV-transparent window ( 22 ′), wherein said at least one UV-transparent window ( 22 ′) is made of a polymer material subjected to Gamma radiation sterilisation.   
   
   
       2 . The flow cell of  claim 1 , wherein a dose of at least 10 kGy is used for said Gamma radiation sterilisation. 
   
   
       3 . The flow cell of  claim 1 , wherein said polymer material has a UV transmission in the range of between 1% and 40% per mm at a wavelength of 280 nm after being subjected to Gamma radiation sterilisation. 
   
   
       4 . The flow cell of  claim 1 , wherein the transmission of the polymer material after being subjected to Gamma radiation sterilisation does not vary by more than 10% during exposure for a period of 72 hours to UV-light of an intensity of approximately 0.6 μW/mm 2 . 
   
   
       5 . The flow cell of  claim 1 , wherein the transmission of the polymer material after being subjected to Gamma radiation sterilisation does not vary by more than 10% during exposure for a period of 48 hours to UV-light of an intensity of approximately 0.6 μW/mm 2 . 
   
   
       6 . The flow cell of  claim 1 , wherein the UV-transmission of the polymer material is greater than 2% and less than 30% per mm after being subjected to Gamma radiation sterilisation. 
   
   
       7 . The flow cell of  claim 1 , wherein the UV-transmission of the polymer material is greater than 5% and less than 20% per mm after being subjected to Gamma radiation sterilisation. 
   
   
       8 . The flow cell of  claim 1 , wherein the UV-transmission of the polymer material is greater than 12% and less than 18% per mm after being subjected to Gamma radiation sterilisation. 
   
   
       9 . The flow cell of  claim 1 , wherein a sealing means ( 30 ) is fitted outside the flow cell to provide a sealable flow cell ( 31 ). 
   
   
       10 . The flow cell of  claim 9 , wherein said sealing means is made of an opaque material so that essentially no UV radiation, visible radiation or near infrared radiation can pass through the material, said sealing means additionally comprising a UV radiation transmission window ( 44 ).