One of the most important processes in critical Settings is the disinfection of medical tools and equipment. Patient safety depends to a large extent on the efficiency and reliability of sterilization equipment. This leads to the need for high-performance disinfection methods to ensure that equipment is sterile. In order to be sterile, equipment must undergo a disinfection process, sterilized components, be sterilized, filtered and packed in sterilized containers, and undergo chemical or physical disinfection and aseptic treatment. Now there are many sterilization methods, including low temperature plasma sterilization, autoclave steam sterilization, hydrogen peroxide sterilization and other methods. The three main medical sterilization methods are derived from high temperature/pressure and chemical processes.

1. Plasma gas sterilizer

Plasma sterilization uses low-temperature hydrogen peroxide gas plasma in the chamber to kill all living microorganisms on medical equipment, including bacteria, spores, viruses and fungi. Hydrogen peroxide low temperature plasma sterilizer vaporizes hydrogen peroxide in the sterilization chamber during the working process. Under the action of high frequency electric field, gaseous hydrogen peroxide “excites” into plasma state. Hydrogen peroxide vapor and plasma are combined to sterilize clinical medical instruments.

Hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization process environmental protection pollution-free, in the sterilization process only a small amount of oxygen and water vapor, harmless to the environment. Once the steam is discharged from the chamber, a cryogenic plasma is produced, ensuring that all tools are thoroughly disinfected. The residue of this process is water and oxygen, making it safe for both medical staff and the environment to operate. Although plasma sterilization is a more expensive method, it is very effective and is ideal for moisture-sensitive medical tools. Hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilizer has a short cycle time and good sterilization effect. It has a good penetration effect at room temperature and has no damage to articles. It is suitable for sterilization of surgical instruments in emergency and simultaneous operation, and improves the utilization rate and turnover rate of instruments. It is widely used in sterilization of medical apparatus and instruments for fear of heat and humidity.

2. Autoclave steam sterilization

Autoclave steam sterilization is the most common sterilization method, the effect of the most reliable sterilization method, its advantage is strong steam penetration, can kill all microorganisms. Humidity – and heat-resistant instruments, appliances and articles should be sterilized by pressure steam.

In an autoclave, objects or instruments that have been exposed to contaminants such as microorganisms, spores, or biological materials are placed in a chamber. The machine is then pressurized and filled with steam. This pressure raises the temperature of the steam to the desired level — typically between 121°C and 134°C — and ensures that every part of the instrument can be sterilized by maintaining the pressure and temperature for a predetermined period of time.

Autoclaves are most commonly used in medical centers and hospitals, dental clinics, laboratories and research institutions. However, it can also be useful in any situation where you need to sterilize reusable equipment. Food and beverage owners, veterinarians and even businesses such as barbershops or beauty salons can benefit from autoclavers.3. Vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilizer

Vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) sterilization technology, using hydrogen peroxide at room temperature gas state than liquid state has the advantages of spore killing ability, through the generation of free hydroxyl, for attacking cell components, including lipids, proteins and DNA, to achieve complete sterilization requirements of a technology. Commonly used for isolation room, isolator and other closed space sterilization. Vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) is sterilized and dry, fast, non-toxic and non-residual, and has good material compatibility, including many metals and plastics. It is suitable for sterilizing and disinfecting the surfaces of rooms, biological safety cabinets, transfer Windows, animal cage exchange stations, isolators and medical instruments.

To be effective, all three methods require precise pressure control at each step of the sterilization process. If the pressure level is not controlled, microorganisms may still exist in the enclosed area, resulting in unsterilized equipment. Pressure sensors provide accurate pressure measurements, making all three methods very effective. Because each method has a unique sterilization process, there are many considerations to keep in mind when selecting the right pressure sensor.