[Sterilization of rubber medical equipment with formaldehyde]

The sterilizing procedure of medical rubber pieces have been studied. The gas sterilizer GK-100 has been used the chamber of which was loaded with rubber pieces and with rubber pieces in combination with plastic. The map of the temperature field has been build, and the effect of the exposure and temperature as well as the packaging density in the chamber on sterility of the test-pieces has been derived. The period of formaldehyde neutralization by ammonia has been measured, the action of formaldehyde on physical and mechanical properties of the rubber has been also studied. On the basis of the obtained data the sterilization procedure with formaldehyde for medical rubber pieces has been developed.