The "Why" and "How" of Low Temperature Sterilization with the STERRAD™ Systems

Why do I need a Low Temperature Sterilization System in my hospital?

right arrow

Most medical and surgical devices are made of material compatible to high temperature and thus can undergo heat and primarily steam sterilization reprocessing. The last decades though has been a significant increase in the design and production of medical devices and instruments made of materials that require low temperature sterilization.

Among the different choices of low temperature sterilization technologies are systems using Ethylene Oxide (EtO), Formaldehyde (FO), Paracetic Acid (PAA) and Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2).1

Some of these technologies are related to potential hazards to patients and staff as well as lengthy cycle times, higher costs and resources involved.

sterrda-nx-load-lr

How does the Hydrogen Peroxide gas plasma sterilization work?

right arrow

A solution of hydrogen peroxide and water (59% nominal hydrogen peroxide by weight) is delivered to the sterilizer. Then, the hydrogen peroxide is further concentrated.

The hydrogen peroxide solution is afterwards vaporized into a gas and transferred to the chamber, where it surrounds the devices and creates a biocidal environment that inactivates microorganisms with chemical interactions, applying a strong electrical field that creates hydrogen peroxide gas plasma.

The plasma is a “cloud” of highly energized species.

Once the electrical field is turned off the energized species recombine, turning the hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen.2

In comparison to EtO and FO, H2O2 is a non-carcinogenic, non-mutagenic sterilant, which is broken down into non-toxic by-products (water and oxygen) when used as a gas plasma.

Patients and staff are therefore protected from being exposed to unnecessary health risks3.

Hydrogen Peroxide Gas Plasma Sterilization

sterilitazion-figuresterilitazion-figure

Why choose a STERRAD™ Hydrogen Peroxide low temperature sterilizer?

right arrow

Featuring ALLClear™ Technology, the STERRAD™ Systems are designed to maximize efficiency and compliance* in the Central Sterile Supple Department (CSSD).

With unique ALLClear™ Technology, STERRAD™ Systems have the ability to minimize workflow interruptions before they occur. It is the only low temperature sterilization platform with integrated quality-control features.

Designed with simplicity in mind, to reduce the potential for human error4

Check out the benefits for your operations in our summarized STERRAD™ Systems factsheets.

Image
Superiority 1-5 nb

Key features of the STERRAD™ Systems with ALLClear™ Technology

premia-bouncing-arrow

asp-velocity-brochure-iconsAbility to sterilize heat and moisture- sensitive instruments.

Involving the combined use of hydrogen peroxide and low temperature gas plasma, they safely and rapidly sterilize medical devices and materials

asp-velocity-brochure-iconsAbility to sterilize heat and moisture- sensitive instruments.

Involving the combined use of hydrogen peroxide and low temperature gas plasma, they safely and rapidly sterilize medical devices and materials

asp-velocity-brochure-iconMultiple cycle options

Multiple cycle options dedicated to sterilizing distinct types of loads. The cycle times range from 24 to 60 minutes.

asp-velocity-brochure-iconMultiple cycle options

Multiple cycle options dedicated to sterilizing distinct types of loads. The cycle times range from 24 to 60 minutes.

asp-velocity-brochure-iconsLess cycle cancellations

ALLClear™ Technology reduces cycle cancellations through fast, accurate detection and correction of load and system issues.

asp-velocity-brochure-iconsLess cycle cancellations

ALLClear™ Technology reduces cycle cancellations through fast, accurate detection and correction of load and system issues.

asp-velocity-brochure-iconInstrument Validations

ASP has an extensive evaluation program and experience with 100+ medical device manufacturers to establish material compatibility of their devices with the STERRAD™ System Sterilization Process. Find over 23,000 authorized device listings in the online STERRAD™ Sterility Guide.

asp-velocity-brochure-iconInstrument Validations

ASP has an extensive evaluation program and experience with 100+ medical device manufacturers to establish material compatibility of their devices with the STERRAD™ System Sterilization Process. Find over 23,000 authorized device listings in the online STERRAD™ Sterility Guide.

asp-velocity-brochure-iconCompatibility with STERRAD VELOCITY™

Compatibility with the STERRAD VELOCITY™ Biological Indicator (BI) / Process Challenge Device System (PCD) which provides a rapid and reliable readout in 15 minutes.

asp-velocity-brochure-iconCompatibility with STERRAD VELOCITY™

Compatibility with the STERRAD VELOCITY™ Biological Indicator (BI) / Process Challenge Device System (PCD) which provides a rapid and reliable readout in 15 minutes.

asp-velocity-brochure-iconConnectivity with your Instrument Tracking System

Connects to your hospital Instrument Tracking System to provide audit-ready data through ASP ACCESS™ technology

asp-velocity-brochure-iconConnectivity with your Instrument Tracking System

Connects to your hospital Instrument Tracking System to provide audit-ready data through ASP ACCESS™ technology

Which STERRAD™ Systems exist?

References

  1. Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities, 2008

  2. AD-190024-01-CT_C-MDR, ASP STERRAD Whitepaper

  3. AD-220106-01-CT_A-MDR, Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) Gas Plasma VS Other Low Temperature Sterilization Modalities

  4. AD-160029-01-CT_D-MDR STERRAD_100NX_ALLClear_brochure

*STERRAD™ Systems with ALLClear™ Technology have features that may enhance compliance, such as on-screen reinforcement of user training.

 

The third-party trademarks used herein are the properties of their respective owners.

Capitalized product names and ALLClearTM are trademarks of ASP Global Manufacturing, GmbH.Important information: Prior to use, refer to the instructions for use supplied with this device for indications, contraindications, side effects, warnings and precautions.

Disclaimer

The content of this website is aimed exclusively at healthcare professionals (HCPs) and not at the general public. Please confirm by clicking below that you are a healthcare professional, duly authorized to practice in your field. ASP EMEA declines all responsibility in case of unauthorized consultation.