GASPLASMA

STERILIZATION
Dr.T.V.Rao MD
 Advances in Sterilization
 Sterilization, as a specific discipline, has
been with us for approximately 120 years,
since the invention of the steam autoclave
by Charles Chamberland in 1879.1 Since
that time, we have seen progressive
refinement in steam sterilizers: from the
early, manually operated equipment to
modern microprocessor-controlled,
automatic machines. Although the
efficiency, reliability, and performance
monitoring of modern equipment is
continually improving, the fundamental
process remains essentially the same.
 GAS PLASMA
 Gas Plasma (vaporized hydrogen
peroxide) is a relatively new option
that can provide low heat sterility
cycles with none of the off-gassing
concerns present with EtO. Gas
Plasma (VHP) sterilization has, until
now, been exclusively used by large
manufacturers as the end line
process for in-house sterilization.
 Beginning of Gas Plasma
 Gas plasma sterilization technology
based of Plasma was patented in
1987, and marketed in U S 1993.
 What is Gas Plasma
 Plasma is a fourth state of matter
which is distinguishable from liquid,
solid, or gas. In nature, plasma is
widespread in outer space.
 Gas plasma generated in an enclosed
chamber under deep vacuum using
Radio frequency or Microwave emery
to excite gas molecules are produced
charged particles
 How Gas Plasma works.
 Many particles are in the form of free
radicals
 A free radical is an Atom with an unpaired
electron and is a highly reactive species
 The mechanism of action of this device is
the production of free radicals within a
plasma field that are capable of interacting
with essential cell components, ie is
enzymes and nucleic acids. And thereby
disrupt the metabolism of microorganisms.
 Identified Advantages
 Materials and device compatibility
 Rapid turnaround times
 In-house control of the sterilization
process
 Lower inventory requirements.
 Beneficial for sterilizing temperature-
sensitive polymeric materials
 The advantages of gas plasma
sterilization include its ability to
provide safe, non toxic, dry, low-
temperature sterilization in about
one hour. By-products of plasma
sterilization are primarily water and
oxygen. Because these by-products
are harmless, there is no need for
aeration or environmental hazard
concerns.
 Steps in Plasma sterilization
 The Vacuum Phase
 The chamber is evacuated, reducing internal pressure in
preparation for the subsequent reaction.

 The Injection Phase

 A measured amount of liquid peroxide is injected
into the chamber, evaporating the aqueous
hydrogen peroxide solution and dispersing it into
the chamber, where it kills bacteria on any
surface it can reach.
 The Diffusion Phase
 The hydrogen peroxide vapour
permeates the chamber, exposing all
load surfaces to the sterilant and
rapidly sterilizes devices and
materials without leaving any toxic
residues. At the completion of this
phase, the chamber pressure is
reduced and the plasma discharge is
initiated.
 The Plasma Phase


An electromagnetic field is created in which

the hydrogen peroxide vapour breaks apart,
producing a low-temperature plasma cloud
that contains ultraviolet light and free
radicals. Following the reaction, the
activated components lose their high energy
and recombine to form oxygen and water.
Phases 1, 2, and 3 are then run a second
time for added efficacy. This built-in
reprocessing assures optimal sterilization
for even the most difficult-to-sterilize
devices.
 The Vent Phase

The chamber is vented to equalize

the pressure enabling the chamber
door to be opened. There is no need
for aeration or cool-down. Devices
are ready for immediate use.
Graphic representation of Gas
plasma Technology
 Advantages of plasma
sterilization
 Low-Temperature Hydrogen
Peroxide Gas Plasma (LTHPGP)
has a number of advantages
compared to established sterilization
technologies. These include a short
(one to four hours) sterilization
cycle, low temperature and humidity,
no aeration requirement, no toxic
chemical residues or environmental
impact, and broad compatibility with
 The Biological Indicator for
quality control

 The Biological
indicator used with
system is Bacillus
atrophaeus spores.
 Improvement to New technology
 The newer version of unit, which
employs a new vaporization system
that removes most of the water from
hydrogen peroxide, has a cycle time
from 28-38 minutes.
Mode of Action in Gas plasma
usage

The process inactivates

microorganisms primarily by the
combined use of hydrogen peroxide
gas and the generation of free
radicals ( hydroxyl and hydroproxyl
free radicals ) during the plasma
phase of the cycle.
 Uses of Gas Plasma

 Materials and devices that cannot

tolerate high temperatures and
humidity such as some plastics,
electrical devices, and corrosion-
susceptible metal alloys, can be
sterilized by hydrogen peroxide
 This method proved compatible with
most (>95%) medical devices and
materials tested.
Gas Plasma Apparatus
 Gas Plasma Work Station
 Medical
instrumentation
can be sterilized
through a
hydrogen peroxide
gas plasma process
with the Sterrad
100 system
(Advanced
Sterilization
Products). Photo:
Advanced
Sterilization
 Disadvantages
 The disadvantages of gas plasma
sterilization are that it may not
penetrate well, especially in channels
or devices designed with long
lumens. In addition, the gas plasma
sterilization method may corrode
some materials and cannot be used
on paper, cellulose or linen. An
additional drawback to plasma
sterilizers is their small chamber.
 Acceptable Technology
 According to experts, only a few
disadvantages associated with gas plasma
sterilization exist. These include the
inability to process liquids, powders, or
strong absorbers (cellulosics), and some
lumen restrictions. Also, gas plasma
sterilization is not recommended for liquids
and other devices that can be damaged
physically or changed by exposure to low
pressure.
 Hydrogen Peroxide Sterilization
Offers Fast Cycle Times
 Benefits of gas
plasma (vaporized
hydrogen peroxide)
sterilization are
fast cycle times,
the absence of
toxic residuals, and
a low-moisture
environment not
exceeding 50ºC, a
 STERRAD TECHNOLOGY
 In 1993, the STERRAD Technology
received clearance and was
introduced into the United States. It
is now available in more than 60
countries throughout the world with
over 6,000 units sold, making it the
world's fastest growing sterilization
technology.
 STERRAD 100
 The STERRAD 100 sterilization
system (Johnson & Johnson Medical
Ltd) uses low temperature hydrogen
peroxide gas plasma for sterilization
of heat labile equipment.
 The topic created as per
guidelines for Disinfection
and sterilization in
Healthcare Facilities,2008
CDC
Dr.T .V.R ao MD
Emai l
docto rtvr ao@gm ail.com