A method and apparatus for sterilization in which items to be sterilized are placedin an impervious sealable package and the sterilization process is carried outwithin the package. The apparatus (10) includes a cabinet (18) in which a package(P) preferably with a carrier (11) located within, can be positioned. A snorkel(17) is inserted into the package (P) and via connector (23) vacuum, pressureand sterilant can be applied to the interior of the package (P). A sealing arrangement(14b, 22b) can seal the package closed after the sterilization process has beencompleted.
