Low Temperature Sterilization System Utilizes Hydrogen Peroxide

The updated Amsco V-PRO 1 Plus low temperature sterilization system, based on vaporized H2O2 technology, is an efficient high-volume processor for packaged heat- and moisture-sensitive instruments for healthcare environments. Both a lumen cycle and a nonlumen cycle are offered; the lumen cycle takes approximately 55 minutes, while the nonlumen cycle finishes in approximately 28 minutes. Having both easy-to-use options allows healthcare facilities to tailor their workflow for specific types of instrument loads, thereby optimizing their turnaround times.

Verify V24, a self-contained biological indicator with a 24-hour incubation time, allows monitoring of both V-PRO 1 and V-PRO 1 Plus cycles four times faster than with previous indicators. The Verify V24 indicators employ an easy-to-read vivid orange to yellow color change, and a color-coded orange cap and labeling for easy identification. An additional feature is the use of compact VAPROX HC Sterilant, which provides up to 15 cycles per container and sterilizes without toxic by-products (the vaporized H2O2 breaks down into water and oxygen when exhausted from the sterilizer), and requires no special venting. The updated Amsco V-PRO 1 and V-PRO 1 Plus are products of Steris (Mentor, OH, USA).

"By observing and working with our customers in their own facilities, we knew that the larger square chamber of the V-PRO 1 system was an important productivity booster for them; we also observed that the majority of the items our customers actually processed each day were not lumened devices,” said Nick Jacobs, global product manager for the infection prevention technologies division at Steris. "They were processing items such as cameras, cables, batteries, telescopes, and defibrillator paddles. Since the original V-PRO 1 cycle was designed for both lumened and nonlumened devices, we saw the opportunity to develop a new, shorter cycle to help processing staff become even more productive.”

Hydrogen peroxide as a chemical sterilizing agent is a strong oxidant used for temperature sensitive articles such as rigid endoscopes. 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 is completely absorbed by the paper product. There are also limitations on the length and diameter of lumens that can be effectively sterilized.

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