company news about How does HPGP sterilize medical instruments

In this April when spring brings blooming flowers and tea songs fill the air, we welcome the eighth "World Sterilization Science Day." This is an important occasion to promote sterilization science knowledge to the general public and raise awareness of public health.

As is widely known, in terms of current sterilization technologies, our Central Sterile Supply Department employs two sterilization methods: low-temperature sterilization and high-temperature sterilization. Many may already be familiar with high-temperature sterilization, also known as autoclaving, which is commonly used for items such as dressing bowls, suture removal scissors, and suture kits, as well as heat-resistant surgical instruments frequently used in operating rooms.

With the continuous advancement of medical technology, surgical methods and practices are also evolving rapidly. An increasing number of minimally invasive surgeries are being performed, and the precision of surgical instruments is constantly improving, making many instruments unable to withstand high temperatures and pressure. To adapt to these developments, low-temperature sterilization technology has matured and is now widely used in Central Sterile Supply Departments to fill the gaps left by high-pressure steam sterilization.

Low-temperature sterilizers include ethylene oxide sterilizers, low-temperature formaldehyde steam sterilizers, and hydrogen peroxide low-temperature plasma sterilizers. Today, I will focus on introducing the hydrogen peroxide low-temperature plasma sterilizer used in our hospital. (Figure 1 shows the hydrogen peroxide low-temperature plasma sterilizer.)

Sterilization is achieved through hydrogen peroxide low-temperature plasma, which deactivates various microorganisms on medical devices and surgical instruments during the disinfection process.

The hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilizer operates at temperatures between 45°C and 55°C, with a sterilization cycle lasting 28 to 75 minutes. It features an LCD display, alarm system, and printing functionality. The byproducts of the process are water and oxygen, and sterilized items can be used directly after the cycle.

1. Rapid bactericidal action, strong sterilization capability, and broad spectrum of effectiveness.
2. Low irritancy, easy vaporization, no residual toxicity, and environmentally friendly (H₂O₂ decomposes into H₂O and O₂).
3. No installation requirements or ventilation ducts.
4. Low sterilization temperature (50°C–60°C) and low humidity (10% RH), making it a truly low-temperature, low-humidity process.
5. Requires only a power source, with fully automated sterilization programs and simple operation.
6. Short sterilization time, enabling fewer instruments in inventory to meet the demands of more surgeries, thereby reducing costs, improving efficiency, and increasing revenue.

1. Poor penetration, with strict limitations on the length and diameter of lumens (generally, the inner diameter of sterilizable lumens must be >1 mm).
2. Oxidative reactions impose strict restrictions on instrument materials, and prolonged use may cause discoloration of instruments.
3. High cost.
4. Instruments must be absolutely dry during sterilization, and oiling is not allowed.
5. Potential hazards from hydrogen peroxide toxicity and ultraviolet radiation generated during the plasma process.
6. Cannot process plant fiber products (e.g., cotton, linen, paper), powders, or liquids.

Plasma sterilizers are suitable for a wide range of objects, including metal and non-metal products, and are particularly ideal for heat-sensitive and moisture-sensitive items. They are mainly used for sterilizing endoscopic instruments in departments such as gynecology and surgery, including arthroscopes, laparoscopes, otoscopes, resectoscopes, ureteroscopes, cystoscopes, hysteroscopes, and other similar items. (Figure 2 shows discoloration due to long-term use of hydrogen peroxide low-temperature plasma sterilization.) (Figure 3 shows damage to a heat-sensitive ultrasonic scalpel caused by high-temperature steam sterilization, rendering it unusable.)

During instrument sterilization, whether using low-temperature or high-temperature methods, there are many limitations. Due to specific sterilization principles, instruments may experience discoloration, damage during vacuum extraction, and other issues. As the equipment ages, various malfunctions may also emerge.

Nevertheless, our department remains committed to strictly following sterilization protocols, ensuring high success rates in sterilization, and providing better services to clinical practices.