Hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization uses 1.8 milliliters of 58 percent hydrogen peroxide that is vaporized in a sterilization chamber. The vapor is converted into a plasma through the use of radio frequency (RF) energy.¹ The plasma consists of highly charged particles and free radicals to sterilize instruments in about one hour without producing toxic residues or emissions. The only byproducts of this method are water vapor and oxygen.

The compliance benefits listed here are only meant to be used as a general guideline and are not meant to be strictly interpreted. Actual compliance benefits will vary depending on the factors involved, e.g., the amount of workload involved.

These new technologies minimize the use of the EtO sterilization process. EtO is highly explosive in nature, a known carcinogen/mutagen, and in the sterilization process, must be mixed with a carrier agent such as chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-12 (Freon®), which is an ozone-depleting substance (ODS). Note** Not all instruments are F.D.A certified for plasma sterilization.

Consult your local industrial health specialist, your local health and safety personnel, and the appropriate material safety data sheet (MSDS) prior to implementing these technologies.

• Consumes less power than traditional EtO sterilization units;
• Requires no water, drainage, or venting;
• Has shorter cycle times than traditional EtO sterilization units (74 minutes vs. 12 hours);
• Eliminates the use of EtO, a carcinogen/mutagen and highly explosive chemical;
• Has significantly lower annual operating costs than traditional EtO sterilization units;
• Eliminates the use of CFC-12, an ODS; and
• Avoids costs and regulatory paperwork associated with the emissions

• Are not compatible with cellulose products, cotton, paper, towels, certain packaging materials, dressings, and wadding;
• Are more expensive than EtO sterilization units ($100,000 vs. $40,000 for an EtO sterilization unit with the same sterilization volume); and
• Are unable to handle large-volume requirements (i.e., hydrogen peroxide sterilization units can handle the sterilization of items up to about 18 inches; however, larger hydrogen peroxide sterilization units that will be able to meet industrial sterilization requirements are beginning to enter the market).

Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, switched their EtO sterilization unit to a hydrogen peroxide plasma unit in January 1998. A cost analysis was performed in November 1995 by ASP, the vendor of the STERRAD^TM unit, and is summarized below.

Assumptions:

• Sterilization unit: STERRAD^TM 100 Sterilizer
• Sterilization volume: 14,976 cubic ft.
• Supplies: Pouches and wrap, biological indicators, chemical indicators, and tape
• Utilities: EtO sterilization (electricity, steam, and water), hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization (electricity)
• EtO tanks: 104 tanks required per year
• Hydrogen peroxide cassettes: $7.95 per cycle and 4680 cycles per year
• Maintenance and service: Maintenance and service for the hydrogen peroxide plasma units for the first year are included in the capital and installation costs and will be $17,280 every year thereafter
• Risk management cost: Includes insurance premium, potential employee lawsuits, environmental lawsuits

Cost Comparison for Ethylene Oxide Sterilization vs. Hydrogen Peroxide Plasma Sterilization

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