A cartridge holder (30) for an automated endoscope reprocessor (10) is
mounted on a movable rack (14). As the rack is wheeled into the chamber,
a connector (164) on the cartridge holder (164) automatically makes a
fluid connection with a connection port (158) within the chamber. The
cartridge holder includes a base (42) and a lid (44), which is pivotally
connected to the base by a hinge (110). A cartridge (40) holding a dose
of a disinfectant concentrate or reagents is positioned in a well (50)
defined by the base and the lid closed. Water flows through the cartridge
holder via a fluid passageway (A) defined in part by the lid and in part
by the hinge. The water mixes with the concentrate or reagents and the
resulting disinfectant solution passes out of a lower end (205) of the
cartridge into the well. The solution flows upwardly, around the
cartridge, through an annular space (232) between the cartridge and the
well, disinfecting the well in the process. The solution exits the
cartridge through a plurality of bores (80) at an upper end of the base.