Vapourised hydrogen peroxide: why it is so important in sanitary disinfection processes

By Cristiano Antonino On Aug 24, 2022

Vapourised hydrogen peroxide (VHP) is a low-temperature, vacuum steam process traditionally used for the sterilisation of reusable medical devices in patient care facilities, including ambulances and operating centres

What is vapourised hydrogen peroxide?

Commercial sterilisation technology uses VHP to achieve surface sterilisation of products and packaging, validated to SAL 10-6 in accordance with ISO14937.

ISO 14937:2009 specifies general requirements for the characterisation of a sterilising agent and for the development, validation and routine monitoring and control of a sterilisation process for medical devices.

Hydrogen peroxide is normally used in 35% aqueous solution, which is an excellent index of purity

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What is vaporised hydrogen peroxide used for?

VHP is compatible with a wide range of polymeric materials and is therefore an effective sterilisation method for single-use medical products such as

Electronic implants and devices
Pharmaceutical containers
Parenteral drug delivery systems such as pre-filled syringes
Combined administration devices
Complex devices assembled in individual packages
Complete assemblies or devices with loose components (e.g. needles)
Temperature-sensitive devices

The sterilisation process with vaporised hydrogen peroxide

The VHP process comprises three steps: Conditioning, exposure to the sterilant and post-conditioning, with all steps performed in a single chamber.

The process takes place under high vacuum conditions, typically 1 to 10 millibars (0.03-0.3 inches Hg), with a temperature range of 28-40°C (82-104oF).

The total cycle time (from closing the door to opening it) is typically eight hours or less.

However, cycle time may vary depending on product composition, packaging materials, temperature and load size and configuration.