Sterilization with hydrogen peroxide: what it consists of and what advantages it brings

By Cristiano Antonino On Aug 8, 2022

Hydrogen peroxide sterilization, also known as hydrogen peroxide gas sterilization, is a low temperature sterilization process commonly used to sterilize heat-sensitive devices

A hydrogen peroxide sterilization cycle typically requires less time than alternative forms of sterilization, such as ethylene oxide sterilization

This sterilization process involves H2O2 vapor filling the sterilizer chamber, contacting and sterilizing exposed device surfaces.

Once the sterilization cycle has completed, the vapor is vacuumed from the chamber and converted to water and oxygen.

LOW TEMPERATURE STERILIZATION

Low temperature sterilization is a sterilization process best used for heat-sensitive devices that may be damaged by the conditions of a steam sterilization cycle.

Ethylene oxide (EO) and vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) are the two most common types of low temperature sterilization.

Unlike heat-stable instruments, heat and moisture-sensitive devices are not always compatible with all models of low temperature sterilizers.

VAPORIZED HYDROGEN PEROXIDE STERILIZATION

This sterilization is also known as vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilization or VHP.

Healthcare facilities more commonly choose vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilization over ethylene oxide sterilization as their low temperature sterilization system.

This preference for VHP is reflected by the declining use of ethylene oxide sterilization systems in hospitals.

The familiarity of hydrogen peroxide in households provides users a sense of confidence with hydrogen peroxide as a non-toxic, environmentally safe solution.

No ventilation is necessary for the vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilization process and VHP machines only utilize one utility – power.

No extra water, steam, or compressed air utilities are necessary.

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE STERILIZATION PROCESS

This sterilization process is as follows:

Liquid H2O2 gets converted into vapor
The vapor fills the chamber, contacting all surfaces and penetrating lumens
After sterilization, the vapor is vacuumed from the chamber and converted into water and oxygen

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE GAS PROCESS (NO PLASMA)

Both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO)* require sterilizers to be safe and effective, and vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilizers are no exception.1

Safety for the patient – Hydrogen peroxide sterilizers must follow ISO guidelines to ensure there are no toxic residues remaining on the devices that would be of concern for patients.

Safety for devices – Hydrogen peroxide is known for excellent material compatibility with a wide variety of materials.

Safety for staff – One of the most important safety aspects of gaseous sterilization is the assurance that the sterilizer is safe for the Sterile Processing Department staff. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States and other regulatory bodies for other countries have developed strict guidelines for hydrogen peroxide exposures. OSHA’s Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for hydrogen peroxide exposure is 1ppm over an 8-hour Time Weighted Average (TWA).2 All VHP sterilizers must adhere to these guidelines as well as the OEM’s Instructions for Use (IFU) to ensure the safety of the operator and SPD personnel.

Safety for environment – Because water and oxygen are the only by-products from a VHP sterilization process, this type of sterilization is not harmful to the environment.

*The applicable ISO standard in this case is ISO 14937.
1 https://university.steris.com/resources/the-evolution-of-hydrogen-peroxide-gas-technologies-part2/
2 V-PRO Environmental H2O2 Safety Test

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