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.
![](https://princesterilization.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/vaporized-hydrogen-peroxide-crop.jpg)
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 capacity commitments for 2025.