Vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilization is capturing more of the medical device sterilization market due to its effectiveness, compatibility with a wide range of materials, and environmental friendliness.
Below are some key aspects of VHP sterilization:
Effectiveness:
Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide is highly effective in killing a broad spectrum of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores. It achieves sterilization by disrupting the essential cellular components of pathogens.
It provides a reliable and consistent sterilization process, ensuring the safety and sterility assurance of medical devices.
Material Compatibility:
One of the significant advantages of vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilization is its compatibility with heat-sensitive materials such as plastics, elastomers, and electronics. This makes it suitable for sterilizing a wide variety of medical devices, including those with complex designs.
Environmental Impact:
Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide is considered environmentally friendly compared to some other sterilization methods, such as EtO, as it decomposes into water and oxygen without leaving harmful residues.
Cycle Time:
Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide sterilization typically has shorter cycle times compared to EtO sterilization, allowing for faster turnaround of medical devices and equipment.
Differences Between Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide Sterilization and Ethylene Oxide Sterilization
| Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide
(VH2O2) |
Ethylene Oxide (EtO) | |
| Sterilizing agent | Vaporized hydrogen peroxide | Ethylene oxide |
| Temperature1 | 20°C to 40°C | 37°C to 63°C |
| Relative Humidity (RH) | 20% | 40% to 80% |
| Time1 | 24 mins to 3 hours | Exposure: 60-360 minutes
Aeration: 8-12+ hours |
| Biological indicators | Geobacillus stearothermophilus (ATCC 12980) | Bacillus atrophaeus
(ATCC 9372) |
| Industry acceptance | ISO 22441 | ISO 11135 |
| Mechanism of action | Oxidizing agent | Alkylation (DNA disruption) |
| Considerations | Compatible with broad spectrum of materials and medical devices. No harmful byproducts. No delamination. Avoid cellulosic materials. | Compatible with broad spectrum of materials and medical devices. Strong penetrating capabilities. Dangerous chemical. Residual studies required. |
| Aeration | Short | Lengthy |
| Environmental impact | Water and oxygen: Nontoxic, no harmful byproducts | Toxic, carcinogen, not preferred |
Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide Sterilization development and validate are prerequisites before commercial/routine use. We are now booking requests for the fourth quarter of 2024.