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Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide

What is Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide Processing?

Vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) is a deep vacuum, low-temperature vapor process that has traditionally been used for sterilization of reusable medical devices in patient care facilities.

STERIS AST offers vaporized hydrogen peroxide processing using the STERIS VHP® LTS-V Low Temperature Sterilizer, manufactured by STERIS Life Sciences for terminal sterilization of medical devices.

What is Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide?

VHP

VHP sterilization technology from STERIS utilizes Vaprox® Hydrogen Peroxide Sterilant to achieve product and package surface sterilization, validated to SAL 10-6 in accordance with ISO14937.

Vaprox Hydrogen Peroxide Sterilant is a specially formulated, stabilized, high-purity, 35% aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution.

The Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide Sterilization Process

The VHP process includes three phases: Conditioning, sterilant exposure and post-conditioning, with all phases performed within a single chamber.

The process is carried out under deep vacuum conditions of typically 1-10 millibar (0.03-0.3 inches Hg), with a temperature range of typically 28-40°C (82-104oF).

Total cycle time (from door closed to door open) is typically eight hours or less.

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

The STERIS Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide Offering

STERIS provides VHP sterilization solutions to manufacturers of healthcare products, whether your needs require contract services or in-house applications.

STERIS AST offers contract VHP sterilization services at our Tullamore, Ireland facility.

The VHP offering is included within the scope of the facility’s ISO 13485 certification, allowing STERIS to offer full validation and routine VHP sterilization to our Customers.

STERIS Life Sciences offers a full range of VHP sterilization and biodecontamination equipment, Vaprox® hydrogen peroxide sterilant, and sterility assurance products for in-house applications.

What is Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide Used For?

VHP is compatible with a wide range of polymeric materials, making it an effective sterilization method for single-use healthcare products such as:

  • Implants and devices with electronics
  • Pharmaceutical containers
  • Parenteral drug delivery systems such as pre-filled syringes
  • Combination delivery devices
  • Single-packaged assembled complex devices
  • Complete assemblies or devices with loose components (e.g. needles)
  • Temperature sensitive devices

Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide Summary

VHP
VAPORIZED HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
VHP is a deep vacuum, low temperature vapor sterilization process

Technology Variables

  • EXPOSURE TIME
  • TEMPERATURE
  • HUMIDITY
  • PRESSURE (VACUUM)
  • VHP CONCENTRATION

Product Considerations

  • MATERIAL COMPATIBILITY
    • Compatible with most materials
      Cellulose-based materials and highly absorbent materials are not compatible.
  • VAPOR PATHWAY
    • Vapor must reach surfaces requiring sterilization
  • DENSITY
    • Surface sterilization process (limited penetration capabilities)

Possible Effects

VHP breaks down safely into water and oxygen.

Low residual levels.

No known oxidation or discoloration effects.

Exposure Time

  • HOURS
    • (time varies based on product requirements)

Why Choose STERIS for Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide Sterilization?

With over 50 years of experience as a global leader, STERIS AST provides safe and effective vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilization with comprehensive laboratory testing and technical support through every stage of the sterilization design process - from product development to routine processing.

  • Global Strength, Local Focus: Facilities across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and South Africa
  • Customer Experience: Continuous feedback to drive process improvements
  • Industry Leadership: TechTeamSM Technical Professional guidance through detailed and complex sterilization and laboratory testing processes
  • Technology-neutral: Radiation and gas technologies tailored to Customer needs
  • Excellence in Quality: Proactive approach to drive efficiencies, reduce rework, and improve quality
  • Innovative Technologies: Innovative offerings to support routine services and processing redundancy capacity
  • Service Commitment: Dedicated to timely routine processing and testing turn times
  • Business Investments: Upgraded equipment and quality systems, new locations, and expansions of existing facilities

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