Sterilant system

Abstract

A two-part sterilant system comprises a first part comprising a first reagent in a carrier medium and a second part which is miscible with the first part and which comprises a second reagent in a carrier medium. The first reagent and the second reagent will react when mixed to provide a sterilising composition. The first part is contained in a pump dispenser ( 2 ) whereby it may be dispensed as a fluid, and the second part is absorbed or impregnated in at least one fabric member ( 18 ) in a sealed container ( 20 ).

I claim: 
     
         1 . A two-part sterilant system comprising:
 (a) a first part comprising a first reagent in a carrier medium; and   (b) a second part which is miscible with the first part and which comprises a second reagent in a carrier medium;   wherein the first reagent and the second reagent will react when mixed to provide a sterilising composition;   wherein the first part is a fluid which includes a foam promoter and is contained in a trigger-operated foam dispenser constructed for dispensing the first part as foam;   wherein the second part is absorbed or impregnated in at least one fabric wipe containing an aqueous fluid in a sealed container.   
     
     
         2 . A sterilant system according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one fabric wipe comprises a plurality of fabric wipes, each of which is provided in its own separate sealed sachet. 
     
     
         3 . A sterilant system according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first part and the second part includes an indicator reagent that changes colour when the parts are mixed together. 
     
     
         4 . A sterilant system according to  claim 3 , wherein the first part and the second part have a different pH and wherein the indicator reagent changes colour in response to a change in pH when the parts are mixed. 
     
     
         5 . A sterilant system according to  claim 1 , wherein one of the first part and the second part comprises a solution containing sodium chlorite or sodium chlorate and the other comprises an acidic solution. 
     
     
         6 . A sterilant system according to  claim 5 , wherein the acidic solution comprises a solution of citric acid, sorbic acid and boric acid. 
     
     
         7 . A sterilant system according to  claim 1 , wherein the foam promoter is present in an amount from 0.1 to 50% w/w of said first part. 
     
     
         8 . A sterilant system according to  claim 7 , wherein said foam promoter is present in an amount from 3 to 6% w/w of said first part. 
     
     
         9 . A sterilant system according to  claim 1 , wherein one of the first part and the second part further comprises from 0.1 to 50% w/w of a humectant. 
     
     
         10 . A sterilant system according to  claim 1 , wherein said humectant is present in an amount from 1 to 3% w/w of said first part or said second part. 
     
     
         11 . A sterilant system according to  claim 1 , wherein when equal weights of the first part and the second part are mixed they provide a sterilising composition having a pH of from 4.5 to 6.5. 
     
     
         12 . A sterilant system according to  claim 5 , wherein the first part comprises said solution of sodium chlorite or sodium chlorate. 
     
     
         13 . A sterilant system according to  claim 12 , wherein said first part comprises a solution of sodium chlorite and said acidic solution comprises an aqueous mixture of citric acid, sorbic acid, boric acid, and a buffer. 
     
     
         14 . A sterilant system according to  claim 1 , wherein one of the first reagent and the second reagent comprises chlorite and the other comprises hypochlorite. 
     
     
         15 . A sterilant system according to  claim 1 , wherein one of the first reagent and the second reagent comprises chlorate and the other comprises a peroxide and an acid. 
     
     
         16 . A sterilant system according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one fabric wipe comprises a plurality of fabric wipes interleaved in a resealable container. 
     
     
         17 . A two-part sterilant system comprising:
 (a) a first part comprising a first reagent in a carrier medium; and   (b) a second part which is miscible with the first part and which comprises a second reagent in a carrier medium;   wherein the first reagent and the second reagent will react when mixed to provide a sterilising composition;   wherein the first part is a gel and is contained in a trigger-operated dispenser constructed for dispensing the first part as a gel;   wherein the second part is absorbed or impregnated in at least one fabric wipe containing an aqueous fluid in a sealed container.   
     
     
         18 . A sterilant system according to  claim 17 , wherein the at least one fabric wipe comprises a plurality of fabric wipes, each of which is provided in its own separate sealed sachet. 
     
     
         19 . A sterilant system according to  claim 17  wherein the at least one fabric wipe comprises a plurality of fabric wipes interleaved in a resealable container. 
     
     
         20 . A two-part wound-dressing system comprising:
 (a) a first part comprising a first reagent in a carrier medium; and   (b) a second part which is miscible with the first part and which comprises a second reagent in a carrier medium;   wherein the first reagent and the second reagent will react when mixed to provide a sterilising composition;   wherein the first part is a fluid which includes a foam promoter and is contained in a trigger-operated foam dispenser constructed for dispensing the first part as a foam; wherein the second part is absorbed or impregnated in at least one fabric wound dressing containing an aqueous fluid in a sealed container.   
     
     
         21 . A wound-dressing system according to  claim 20 , wherein the at least one fabric wound dressing comprises a plurality of fabric wound dressings, each of which is provided in its own separate sealed sachet. 
     
     
         22 . A wound-dressing system according to  claim 20 , wherein the at least one fabric wound dressing comprises a plurality of fabric wound dressings interleaved in a resealable container. 
     
     
         23 . A two-part wound-dressing system comprising:
 (a) a first part comprising a first reagent in a carrier medium; and   (b) a second part which is miscible with the first part and which comprises a second reagent in a carrier medium;   wherein the first reagent and the second reagent will react when mixed to provide a sterilising composition;   wherein the first part is contained in a pump dispenser constructed for dispensing the first part as a gel;   wherein the second part is absorbed or impregnated in at least one fabric wound dressing containing an aqueous fluid in a sealed container.   
     
     
         24 . A wound-dressing system according to  claim 23 , wherein the at least one fabric wound dressing comprises a plurality of fabric wound dressings, each of which is provided in its own separate sealed sachet. 
     
     
         25 . A wound-dressing system according to  claim 23 , wherein the at least one fabric wound dressing comprises a plurality of fabric wound dressings interleaved in a resealable container.