Low-Temperature Sterilization System Maximizes Efficiency

A new low-temperature hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) sterilization system uses proprietary algorithms to minimize workflow interruptions and cycle cancellations.

The Advanced Sterilization Products STERRAD 100NX System with ALLClear Technology includes features that simplify system operation and automatically monitor sterility conditions, providing pre-sterilization cycle load conditioning, load checks, and system checks to reduce operator error, while improving productivity in central sterile services departments (CSSDs), assisting them to maximize efficiency and comply with government and facility requirements. Features include a large rectangular chamber, touch-screen display control, and an H2O2monitor.

The system features several cycle options, including a 47-minute standard cycle for most surgical instruments; a 42-minute flex cycle for single-channel flexible endoscopes; a 24-minute express cycle for fast turnaround of da Vinci 3-D endoscopes, rigid telescopes, rechargeable batteries, and other instruments; and a 60-minute DUO cycle for processing flexible endoscopes and cameras together. The system is available as a pass-through sterilizer for CSSDs that need to separate clean and sterile areas, and can also be paired with the ASP ACCESS system to automate data sharing across all connected ASP systems and hospital networks.

“We developed the new STERRAD 100NX System with ALLClear technology to help CSSDs deliver instruments to operating rooms faster and more consistently, providing doctors and patients with the devices they need, when they need them,” said Suneel Shorey, vice president of ASP Global Marketing. “This new system is the first in a series of innovations we plan to introduce globally in 2017 to help elevate the standard of care in sterilization and build on our heritage as a leader in infection prevention.”

H2O2 is a strong oxidant used as a chemical sterilizing agent for heat or temperature sensitive articles. The biggest advantage of H2O2 as a sterilant is the short cycle time, but there are also drawbacks, such as material compatibility issues. For example, paper products cannot be sterilized because of a process called cellulostics, in which the H2O2 would be completely absorbed by the paper product. There are also limitations on the length and diameter of lumens that can be effectively sterilized.